On Monday, July 12, the Chicago Blackhawks announced they traded veteran Duncan Keith and forward Tim Soderlund to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Caleb Jones and a 2022 conditional third-round draft pick. The Blackhawks did not retain any salary from Keith’s contract, which contains a cap hit of $5,538,462.
That being said, the one condition is if the Oilers make it to the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals and Keith is top-four in time on ice during the first three rounds, the pick upgrades to a 2022 second-round selection.
It’s not a huge surprise seeing Keith get dealt from the Windy City. News broke in early July stating the soon-to-be 38-year old defensemen had made a request to be traded from the Blackhawks. He agreed to waive his no-movement clause and was working with the club to seek out a suitable destination. With the veteran blue-liner nearing the end of his career, Keith wanted to be closer to his son, Colton, who currently resides with his ex-wife in Penticton, British Columbia. He also wanted to be closer to the rest of his family. TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reported earlier on that Edmonton was Keith’s first choice.
Keith was a second-round selection (54th overall) of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Through his 16-year career in a Blackhawks sweater, Keith has played 1,192 games, amassing 625 points on 105 goals and 520 assists. The native of Winnipeg, Manitoba is the fourth defensemen in Blackhawks history to reach the plate of 100 career goals scored.
A Canadian with dual citizenship, he has donned the “A” on his jersey since the 2007-08 regular season. Keith is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and scored the cup-clinching goal in the Game 6 of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final. One of many accolades, he was also named recipient that season of the Conn Smythe Trophy. In addition to that, he has been awarded the Norris Trophy on two occasions, is a three-time All-Star and has secured two Olympic gold medals.
Caleb Jones, younger brother of Seth Jones, has appeared in 93 NHL games with the Edmonton Oilers. During that time, he’s recorded five goals, while adding 14 assists. Originally selected by Edmonton in the fourth-round (117th overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, he also has 125 AHL games under his belt. During his time with the Bakersfield Condors, the 6’1 forward recorded 11 goals, while adding 46 assists.
With everything said and done, thank you for everything you’ve done for the Blackhawks organization and the City of Chicago, Duncs. You’ll really be missed next season.