Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith will be sidelined 4-6 weeks after undergoing successful knee surgery to repair a meniscal tear in his right knee. Keith had played in six regular season games for Chicago while averaging over 24 minutes of ice-time/game, registering two assists with a -2 rating.
#Blackhawks' Conn Smythe Trophy winning defenceman Duncan Keith out 4-6 weeks after surgery to repair torn meniscus in his right knee.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) October 20, 2015
The Blackhawks have been hoping to trade for a defenseman in the early part of this season due in large part to their salary cap struggles and the fact that current blueliner Michal Roszival remains out after fracturing his ankle during last postseason.
The official statement from the Blackhawks came early on Tuesday:
The procedure was performed at Northwestern Memorial Hospital by Blackhawks Head Team Physician Dr. Michael Terry.
“Duncan underwent successful surgery today to repair his right knee meniscal tear,” Terry said. “The surgery was successful and we expect him to return to full hockey activities in approximately 4-6 weeks.”
Since Keith’s NHL debut in 2005-06, the Winnipeg native has suited up for at least 74 games/season, excluding the lockout-shortened campaign of 2013 (in which he played 47 out of 48 contests). This 2015 Conn Smythe winner has played in 772 games, posting 75 goals and 342 assists. He also has been recognized as the league’s top defenseman in 2010 and 2014, capturing the James Norris Memorial Trophy.
The first test for Chicago without #2 on the back-end will be against the Florida Panthers at home on Thursday night.
Main Photo:
TAMPA, FL – JUNE 13: Duncan Keith #2 of the Chicago Blackhawks in action against the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game Five of the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 13, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
