BLOG: Keith leaves Oilers better than when he first joined

EDMONTON, AB- Duncan Keith came to Edmonton to be closer to his family, so it was only fitting that his son Colton was alongside him as he announced his retirement on Tuesday.
At the conclusion of the playoffs, the veteran mulled over the decision for weeks. Keith knew he still had some gas left in the tank, but the same reason he joined the Oilers became the same reason he decided to call it quits in front of a packed and very fitting Hall of Fame Room at Rogers Place.
"I still love the game, always will, but the thought of being around my son Colton more and being around him and his hockey, being able to help my brother coach our boys, and seeing my niece -- the more and more I got closer to that, the more excited I became at (the thought of retirement)," Keith said. "There's still some part of me that knows I still could play, and I think that's how I wanted to go out knowing I still had some game in me."
Keith joined the National Hockey League at nearly the perfect time for a player of his ilk. The defender made his debut in '05-06, narrowly avoiding the often-regarded 'dead puck era' of the pre-lockout NHL. The emphasis on skating and skill fit Keith's game to a tee over his 17 NHL seasons.

He used that legendary skating stamina to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup Championships, while nabbing a Conne Smythe and two Norris Trophies for his own personal hardware cabinet. As the Blackhawks dynasty reached its conclusion and the pandemic made travelling to visit his young family another hardship - Keith was ready for a change and Edmonton was the place for the future Hall of Famer to be.
"When I decided to turn the page and leave Chicago it was a very hard decision, but one that looking back on, was one of the best decisions to make," Keith said. "The emphasis on that was so I could be closer to my son Colton and play in front of him more. But I also wanted to come to a team that gave us a chance and an opportunity to win."
The partnership was a perfect match for both the legendary defenceman and an Edmonton team learning how to win. Despite a few bumps in the road along the way, it's hard to say the partnership, albeit brief, didn't benefit both parties involved. Keith was given the opportunity to play in front of those dearest to him on a regular basis, and in return, the veteran provided the Oilers locker room and young defensive core a steady presence and a wealth of experience that proved invaluable in the Oilers trip to the Western Conference Final.

"We really wanted to win the Stanley Cup this past year. Coming here to Edmonton, I know we had a lot of great players and great pieces," Keith said. "We made it to the final four and that's pretty special. There are some steps that need to continue there, but knowing Edmonton is right there, right close, does make it a good feeling. It was a great run with a lot of great memories."
"I know we didn't get to finish the job, but I feel this organization is an incredible organization and it's definitely on the right path," he added. "Getting the chance to play for Jay Woodcroft and Dave Manson, you guys really guided us to another level this season."
Despite being a three-time Champion, the Oilers playoff run will always be a fond memory for the soon-to-be 39-year-old. Keith will no longer beable to walk through the Oilers locker room doors, with strobing orange lights directing him out to a rambuctious Rogers Place crowd. It was an unforgettable feeling -- and it was one that the veteran said should be used as motivation for the Oilers Development Camp prospects who were on hand for his retirement announcement.
"It's incredibly special playing playoff hockey here in Edmonton and getting a chance to walk out from the dressing room," Keith told the Oilers youngsters. "You feel like a gladiator walking out onto the ice. It's an amazing, special feeling."
As Keith walks away from the game, he departs an Edmonton team who he believes is on the cusp of greatness. Armed with dynamic talent in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the defenceman feels like the Oilers time is coming.
"The two best players in the world. To see how good, they are on a day-to-day basis, it was amazing," he said. "I believe they're going to lead this team to a championship."