Duncan Keith Injury: Updates on Blackhawks Star's Knee Surgery and Recovery

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith leads his team in ice time per game this season, averaging over 24 minutes. The organization has been without one of its most indispensable players since he underwent knee surgery on Oct. 20, but his return seems to be growing very close.

Continue for updates.

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Quenneville Comments on Keith's Playing Status

Tuesday, Nov. 10

Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville "seemed optimistic that Keith will play either Saturday at St. Louis or Sunday vs. Calgary," per Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times.

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Keith Returns to Blackhawks' Morning Skate

Sunday, Nov. 8

Lazerus captured video from today's session:

Lazerus also noted, "Keith said he feels good, but has no timetable for a return. Knee/calf started hurting during the Final." He added that Keith has actually been skating for a couple of days already.

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Keith Placed on IR

Wednesday, Oct. 21

The Blackhawks freed up "an additional $5.54 million in relief against the NHL salary cap" by placing Keith on long-term injured reserve, per NHL.com.

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Keith Injury Adds to Chicago's Depth Problems on Defense

Keith, the 2015 Conn Smythe winner and two-time Norris Trophy winner, has two assists through six games for the Blackhawks this season. He's been a crucial part of the team's three Stanley Cup titles since 2010 and has been incredibly durable to this point, never missing more than eight games in any season in his 11-year career. 

The loss is a huge one for a team that already had depth issues on defense, and as Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune reported, "The Blackhawks were active in the trade market looking for a defenseman and now likely will have to keep shopping around for added depth."