Duncan Keith's Impact On The Blackhawks Franchise
Chicago Blackhawk legend Duncan Keith has made his retirement official. Duncan Keith became one of the most beloved sports figures in Chicago history during his time with the Blackhawks. So with the announcement of his retirement, no better time than now to take a quick look back at the impact Duncan Keith had on this franchise.
Duncan Keith was a second round (54th overall) draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2002 NHL draft. The Winnipeg native would spend a few years at the AHL level before making the jump to the NHL level in the 2005-2006 season. As to be expected, Keith certainly had his moments where he struggled his rookie season. That being said, he did only miss one game the whole season and had an ATOI of 23:26, so he definitely pulled his weight. On top of that, this was during the dark days (even darker than the days we're in now) of the Chicago Blackhawks. They weren't being televised and you couldn't pay someone to go to the United Center and watch them in person
But as the Blackhawks started to improve as a team, so too did Duncan Keith. In his first four years, his plus/minus took a jump up each year: Rookie season; -11, sophomore season; 0, third season; 30, fourth season; 33. So from 2005-2009 the Blackhawks and Duncan Keith were able to make some type of improvement, whether it be major or subtle.
And then came the golden ages. Not only for the Blackhawks, but Duncan Keith as an individual as well. During the run of 3 Stanley Cups in 5 years, Keith collected 2 Norris trophies (2009-10 and 2013-14) as well as the Conn Smythe in 2015.
Duncan Keith's legacy is one that will live on forever in the heart of Chicago Blackhawks fans. Really could make the argument that Duncan Keith (along with Patrick Sharp after being traded from the Flyers in 05-06) were really the start of the most successful period in Blackhawks history. We already know that the 81 of Marian Hossa will make its way to the rafters at some point next season. The number 2 of Duncan Keith may not be far behind.
Check out some Duncan Keith highlights:
