Blackhawks Trading Duncan Keith To Edmonton Oilers
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago Blackhawks announced Monday that they have agreed to trade three-time Stanley Cup defenseman Duncan Keith to the Edmonton Oilers.
The Blackhawks are also trading forward Tim Soderlund.
The Blackhawks confirmed reports late Monday that they will get young defenseman in Caleb Jones and a 3rd round pick, and clear significant cap space in the deal. Keith's contract carries a cap hit of more than $5.5 million each of the next two seasons, while Jones is on a $850,000 deal for 2021-22, and becomes a restricted free agent after that.
The move gives the Blackhawks much more flexibility to seek out younger players in free agency.
"Duncan Keith was the ultimate professional with the Chicago Blackhawks," Stan Bowman, Chicago Blackhawks President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, said in a news release. "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, 37, has played his entire 16-year career for the Blackhawks, and was a pivotal player for the team's three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
A two-time Norris Trophy winner as the league's best defenseman (2010 and 2014), and the 2015 Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Keith has played the second-most games of all-time for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Keith has a full no-movement clause and two years left on his 12-year, $72 million contract, and reportedly was seeking a trade to be closer to his family in western Canada.
His departure is just the latest for key players from the recent Cup dynasty, including goalie Corey Crawford, defenseman Brent Seabrook, and forward Andrew Shaw, who have either retired or moved on to other teams.
Keith had four goals and 11 assists and a minus-13 rating in 54 games for the Blackhawks last season.
Jones had four assists and a minus-7 rating in 33 games for the Oilers last season.