Blackhawks are trading Duncan Keith to Oilers: report

They say where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and right now there’s a whole lot of smoke pluming from Rogers Place — figuratively, of course.

According to a pair of reports from two of hockey’s most trusted insiders, TSN’s Darren Dreger and Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks are close to a trade involving Duncan Keith.

Sources indicate the Oilers and Blackhawks are making progress on a trade involving Duncan Keith. Not done. The process is moving along. Both GM’s are involved in league meetings today, however more discussion on the trade is expected.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 12, 2021

Hearing today that CHI/EDM are closing in on the Duncan Keith deal. May take time, but progress in the weekend

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 12, 2021

Hockey insider Frank Seravalli, formerly of TSN and now with Daily Faceoff, is taking it one step further. He says the deal will be completed, and it involves Caleb Jones and a mid-round pick going to Edmonton.

Pending trade call, sounds like #Hawks Duncan Keith will indeed be heading to #Oilers in exchange for D Caleb Jones and a mid-round pick (3rd or 4th round).

Final details still being ironed out. @DFOHockey

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 12, 2021

The former Norris Trophy winner’s name has been in rumours since June 30, when it was reported that he was on the trade block. Keith, who has a full no-movement clause in his contract, is said to welcome a trade to play with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

At age 37, Keith’s best days are behind him, though he is still an effective defenceman. Keith scored 15 points in 54 games, and played 23:25 per game with Chicago last season. The Winnipeg-born blueliner has played all 16 of his NHL seasons with the Blackhawks, and has two years remaining on a 13-year contract, which carries a $5.538 million cap hit.

🔁 TRADE 🔁

The #Oilers have acquired defenceman Duncan Keith & forward Tim Soderlund from Chicago in exchange for defenceman Caleb Jones & a conditional draft pick in 2022. #LetsGoOilers

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 12, 2021

*Update: the deal is now official. Duncan Keith and Tim Soderlund are headed to Edmonton in exchange for Caleb Jones and a conditional draft pick in 2022.