Duncan Keith staying with the Oilers organization

According to a report from Edmonton Oilers insider Mark Spector, veteran NHL defenseman Duncan Keith is staying in the Oilers organization despite officially retiring earlier this offseason. Spector reports that Keith is signing a Player Development contract with the team and is expected to work with the team's prospects and rookies.

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Keith, of course, joined the Oilers just last season after an incredible, Hall of Fame worthy career with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 39 year old, Penticton, BC native, ended his career with 106 goals and 646 points in 1256 career regular season games. He won three Stanley Cup championships, a Conn Smythe and two Norris Trophies. He's considered one of the best defensemen of his generation and, personally, I can't think of many better candidates to help coach and mold the Oilers' crop of young blueliners. After all, Keith wasn't physically skilled or incredibly gifted like so many other stars of his generation. He was simply a smart player with a smooth as silk skating stride. He made the game look so easy, to the point where I remember a friend of mine once commenting that "Keith looks like he could play the game with a cigarette in his mouth." To me, that's a damn near perfect explantation. 

And as for the Oilers, they do have quite a few young developing players on the blueline. Youngsters Philip Broberg and Evan Bouchard are both poised to take big steps over the next few seasons and I suspect that Keith will be tasked with ensuring they their development is on the right path.  

 In other Oilers news, the team has reportedly learned that free agent forward Jake Virtanen has turned down their professional tryout (PTO) contract offer, electing to sign with a team that affords him better opportunities in training camp. Again, this report comes courtesy of Oilers insider Mark Spector.

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The team is though reportedly bringing in veteran defenseman Jason Demers on a PTO. He'll push the aforementioned Broberg and Bouchard in training camp next week.