Chicago Blackhawks Reportedly Working With Duncan Keith on Trade

As per a report by Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, “There are rumblings Chicago is working on a potential Duncan Keith trade to either the Pacific Northwest or Western Canada.” He adds, “Word is Keith and team are working together to get him to a place he wants to go. We will see where this goes.”

This is big news and the immediate assumption is that the Blackhawks are making space on their roster to add a big defenseman get like Seth Jones or Dougie Hamilton. The consensus opinion seems to be that the Blackhawks are targeting Jones.

There are rumblings Chicago is working on a potential Duncan Keith trade to either the Pacific Northwest or Western Canada. Word is Keith and team are working together to get him to a place he wants to go. We will see where this goes.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 30, 2021

At this point in his career, Keith’s best days are very much behind him. He is 37 and not the same defenseman he used to be. Any team acquiring him will be looking at trying to obtain significant futures as part of a deal with Chicago. The exchange is that the team eats much of the remaining two years of his $5.54 million per season salary. That said, the salary remaining is only $3.6 million of his $72 million, 13-year contract. The team who lands him will be paying him $2.1 million 2021-22 and $1.5 million in 2022-23.

Keith Willing to Go Back Home?

Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch tweets that word of a potential move like this makes sense. He writes, “Makes sense. I was always told, back when I covered the Hawks, that Keith would only waive his no-trade for a team in Western Canada or out in that direction.” Keith is from Winnipeg and grew up in Penticton, British Columbia.

Is there a chance Seattle looks at something like this? They have plenty of cap space and could potentially use the futures Chicago may have to give up to make this deal work.

Keith finished this past season with four goals and 15 points in 54 games for the Blackhawks. He often played more than 24-25 minutes per night. It will be interesting to see what teams show interest in him. At his age, it’s really hard to know if there will be a big market or a non-existent one.

Could he be a second pairing guy in a place like Edmonton? Would Seattle like to have a veteran in their locker room with a massive winning pedigree? Could Vancouver try to move things around to make it work? We all know the Jets still need to improve their blue line. Interesting times ahead.

Next: Frederik Andersen Open to Returning to Maple Leafs Next Season