Duncan Keith's Impact On The Blackhawks Dynasty

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Michael
April 4, 2022 (4:35 PM)

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The Blackhawks were without a doubt the team of the 2010s in the National Hockey League. Three championships in the span of five years is something sports owners around the country envy. Even outside of the NHL, you had owners pointing to the Blackhawks saying "I want to have that level of success". And many different players played a part in making the Blackhawks dynasty as great as it was. One player in particular who is beloved by Blackhawks fans even to this day played a very unique part in the winning formula for the Blackhawks. And that man is Duncan Keith.

Duncan Keith was a 2nd round pick of the Blackhawks in the 2002 NHL draft. A deep dive into his stats will show why many will argue that he is the greatest defenseman in Blackhawks history. They would definitely have an argument. He has 105 goals in his time with the Blackhawks, 520 assists as a Blackhawk, and 625 points. All of which are top three for defenseman in Blackhawks history.

Along with his incredible numbers, Keith was also known for being an incredibly durable player. He only played less than 70 games one time in his entire career (he has three others that are lower than 70 due to Covid shortened seasons and strike shortened season). Because he hardly ever missed a game, he logged an astonishing 29,731 minutes of time on ice, averaging just under 25 minutes a game at 24:57. He also logged 3,781 minutes on ice in the playoffs, most all-time for Blackhawks defenseman.

Duncan Keith also has quite the trophy room to go along with his three Stanley Cup rings. Keith is a two time Norris trophy winner, awarded to the NHL's best defenseman. He also won the Conn Smythe in 2015, which is the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Worth noting he won that one unanimously.

Anytime you discuss the Blackhawks dynasty, you have to bring up Duncan Keith. Along with all of his accomplishments on the ice, off the ice he was such an important figure in the city of Chicago. And he, along with many others from those teams, have a spot waiting for their jerseys in the rafters at the United Center.

Take a look at some of Duncan Keith's highlights with the Blackhawks below!