NHL Rumors: Keith Very Likely To Return For 2022-23 Season With Oilers

Though there was speculation that Duncan Keith would be retiring before next season and Ken Holland gave Keith and Mike Smith a timetable for when he'd like to know their decision by, it appears the veteran defenceman will be back for the final season of his contract per Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic.

It would help the Edmonton Oilers a ton if Keith were to retire considering the players they have to sign and the lack of money to do so. He has a cap hit of $5.538 million and is likely going to play second pairing minutes for the team beside Evan Bouchard. Keith has helped Bouchard along in his development and he can still play in the NHL. The contract is just a little steep as Holland didn't have the Chicago Blackhawks retain any of his salary in the trade to acquire him last summer.

This is very likely Keith's final season with the Oilers and possibly the NHL as he's 38 years old and has accomplished all he can, winning three Stanley Cups, two Norris Trophies, and a Conn Smythe Trophy in his career. The Oilers will be better for the experience and leadership he brings to the dressing room and on the ice, but at a high cost in a time the team needs all the money they can get.