Mike Smith reported that he will go on long-time injury reserve for the remainder of his contract meaning he's pretty much retired, but not officially until after this upcoming season finishes. The Oilers were just waiting for Duncan Keith's answer, and so were the Blackhawks
Why the Blackhawks? Because if Keith decided to retire after the season that just passed, the Blackhawks would be hit with a whopping $7,300,000 cap hit- yes that's a whopping 7.3 million dollars!
Well it's a sad time for the Blackhawks for two reasons, Keith has officially retired from the NHL at the age of 39, and the Blackhawks will be hit with a cap penalty worth $7.3 million dollars.
Keith is not done with the NHL though, he has chosen to join a teams management group...
Bob Stuffer has stated Duncan Keith will remain apart of the Oilers organization this upcoming season, and says an announcement is imminent. No role has been specified, but it's very likely Duncan Keith signs on as an assistant GM, or to be apart of the coaching staff. If not, he'll probably have an executive role.
POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 14 | 170 ANSWERS Duncan Keith Officially Announces His Retirement From The NHL At The Age of 39 Is Duncan Keith the best Blackhawks defenseman in history? | ||
Yes! | 67 | 39.4 % |
No, but he is top 3! | 59 | 34.7 % |
No not even close | 26 | 15.3 % |
im unsure | 18 | 10.6 % |
List of polls |