(670 The Score) Another icon of the Blackhawks’ golden era is gone.
Chicago on Monday traded veteran defenseman Duncan Keith to the Edmonton Oilers for 24-year-old defenseman Caleb Jones and a conditional third-round pick in 2022. Chicago also sent forward Tim Soderlund to Edmonton. The Blackhawks didn't retain any of Keith's salary in the deal, hockey insider Elliotte Friedman reported. His contract carries a $5.5-million cap hit over the next two seasons.
Keith, 37, has spent his entire 16-year NHL career with the Blackhawks and has been a key part of their three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Chicago selected him in the second round of the 2002 NHL Draft.
Keith is a four-time All-Star and won the Norris Trophy in 2009-’10 and 2013’-14 as the NHL’s best defenseman. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2015 as the best player in the NHL playoffs.
“Duncan Keith was the ultimate professional with the Chicago Blackhawks,” president of hockey operations Stan Bowman said in a statement. “His toughness on the ice, his leadership in the community and his dedication to the game are a few of the reasons the Blackhawks won three Stanley Cups during his 16-year career with Chicago. He will go down as one of the best and most driven defensemen this game has ever seen. Recently, Duncan came to us with a request to be traded to a team closer to his son, and we were happy to work something out that was mutually beneficial for Duncan’s family and the future of the Blackhawks. We appreciate all he has contributed to our team and the city of Chicago, and his legacy will always be celebrated.”
Keith played in 54 games last season, recording four goals and 11 assists while averaging 23:25 minutes per game.
Jones had four points (zero goals, four assists) in 33 games for Edmonton last season. The Oilers selected him in the fourth round of the 2015 NHL Draft. He has played three NHL seasons.