Duncan Keith leaves the Oilers, retires at 38

The Edmonton Oilers suddenly have more cap space available. On Friday, it was reported that veteran defenseman Duncan Keith has decided to retire.

The Oilers were hoping to know his decision ahead of the weekend, seeing that the opening of free agency is fast approaching. With his retirement hitting the books, Edmonton will free up $5.54 million cap space. According to CapFriendly, the Oilers currently have $7.13 million space, though the team could also free an additional $2.2 million if goaltender Mike Smith lands on the long-term injured reserve.

Keith was signed through next season on the 13-year, $72 million contract he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2009. He had one goal and 21 points in 64 games with the Oilers this past season, adding one goal and five points in 16 playoff games. He was acquired by the Oilers last summer from the Blackhawks for a draft pick and defenseman Caleb Jones.

The veteran blue liner hangs up the skates after recording106 goals and 646 points in 1,256 career games with the Blackhawks and Oilers. He is a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Hawks and won the Norris Trophy twice in Chicago - in 2010 and 2014.

He was selected in the second round of the 2002 NHL Draft by Chicago. Happy retirement Keith!