Earlier this offseason, Edmonton Oilers D Duncan Keith announced his retirement from playing in the NHL, marking an end to his illustrious playing career. With his illustrious 1,256-game career at a close, what is next for the 3x Stanley Cup champion?
For starters, he is working with several brands as an ambassador, opening up future business opportunities. Recently, he launched a signature parka in collaboration with Canadian outfitter Nobis.
However, the general feeling around Keith was that he still possessed the competitive spirit and, while his body needs to rest, wants to continue working in and around the NHL.
TSN's Bob Stauffer confirmed that Keith will, indeed, remain apart of the Oilers' organization in a role unspecified, though he does offer speculation. Stauffer suggests that Keith's position could range from the coaching staff to the executive suite, as assistant GM. Keith's experience and winning pedigree is a massive boost to the Oilers' ranks, and his departure from their blue line is arguably an even bigger boost:
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Keith is not the first NHL legend to endure the bite of Father Time, and he won't be the last. GM Ken Holland also saved over $5 million from Keith's retirement, so offering him a job is the least he could do. A 3D-chess style byproduct of that is that Chicago gets nailed with a cap recapture penalty of about $5.5 million. Absolute brilliance by Holland.
