The Chicago Blackhawks could be without the services of the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner for more than a month.
Duncan Keith recently underwent successful surgery to repair a meniscal tear in his right knee, and the Blackhawks announced Tuesday he will be out of action for approximately four to six weeks.
Keith is the best defenseman on the Blackhawks and makes a positive impact in all situations, whether it’s providing scoring, shutting down the opponents’ top forwards or excelling on special teams.
The Blackhawks’ core has been pretty healthy over the last six seasons, which has been a huge factor in Chicago winning three Stanley Cup titles in that span. Keith rarely is out of the lineup.
Niklas Hjalmarsson and Brent Seabrook, Chicago’s Nos. 2 and 3 defensemen, respectively, will need to step up in Keith’s absence, in terms of both performance and increased playing time.
The Blackhawks are 3-3-0 through six games and sit in sixth place in the Central Division.
Thumbnail photo via Dennis Wierzbicki/USA TODAY Sports Images
