Chicago Blackhawks: Duncan Keith Injury Not Serious

Apr 21, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) skates with the puck during game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center. The Blackhawks won the game 4-3 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports /

Duncan Keith will miss the World Cup of Hockey, but it’s not a major concern

With the World Cup Of Hockey starting Saturday, most of hockey fans will be focused on stars playing in the tourney. The Chicago Blackhawks are well represented in the tourney.

The Blackhawks have Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Artemi Panarin, Artem Anisimov, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Marian Hossa, Marcus Kruger, Ville Pokka and Michal Kempny involved.

Some Blackhawks fans, however, might be focused on a player who is not playing in the World Cup of Hockey and might miss some training camp time. That player is Duncan Keith.

Keith withdrew from the World Cup of Hockey on Aug. 24 to continue rehabbing from his knee injury. The Blackhawks supported Keith’s decision with this statement: “We believe it is in his best interests to focus on getting stronger and not risk further injury.”

Now more news has surfaced about Keith’s injured knee

#Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said Duncan Keith is "doing better" but doesn't have feel for whether Keith will be ready for start of season.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) September 15, 2016

Heading into this season, most of the questions marks for the Blackhawks were on the offense. Younger forwards Tyler Motte, Nick Schmaltz, Ryan Hartman and Tanner Kero, among others, could be asked to take on larger roles on offense.

With the additions of Kempny and Brian Campbell on defense this offseason, the Blackhawks weakness on defense appears to have turned into the team’s biggest strength heading into this season.

If Keith has lost a step on defense or is out for any significant amount of time, it could be devastating to the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks do not have the depth on defense to sustain the loss of Keith for any amount of time despite the addition of Campbell.

Stan Bowman speaks

Stan Bowman said there was nothing to be "alarmed about" with Duncan Keith.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) September 15, 2016

General Manager Stan Bowman is playing it cool with the status of Keith’s injury, while others are poking fun with Twitter reaction.

Duncan Keith's status is up in the air after it's believed that he had his knee accidentally removed.
— horse massacre (@torqpenderloin) September 15, 2016

With all of that being said, Keith has been participating in informal skating sessions at Johnny’s Ice House West since Monday. So it’s fair to assume he’ll be ready to go at the start of the 2016-17 season.

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