Report: Oilers to get a decision from Duncan Keith on his future

According to a report from NHL insider Darren Dreger, the Edmonton Oilers are expected to get some clarity on defenseman Duncan Keith later this week regarding Keith's playing future.

From Dreger:

The 38 year old Keith is heading into the final year of a contract that pays him approximately $5.5 million, but if he elects to retire then that frees up the total value of Keith's deal for the Oilers. And to say that that $5.5 million could come in handy is the understatement of the offseason. The Oilers are reportedly struggling to come to terms with pending UFA Evander Kane who is expected to sign a new deal in the $7 million annual range. Subtract Keith from the team's salary cap situation and suddenly GM Ken Holland is flush with cash for a new Kane deal. 

Stay tuned, Oilers fans. Things could get very interesting if indeed Keith elects to hang up the skates.