Oilers hire former star defenseman Duncan Keith in player development role

After announcing his retirement just a few months ago, Duncan Keith is back in the Edmonton Oilers organization. The team announced several hires, including Keith into a player development role. Milan Tichy will now serve as director of amateur European scouting, Warren Rychel and Jason Pietrzykowski have been added as pro scouts, Jeff Salajko is coming in as a goaltending scout, and Christian Vermette will join as an amateur scout.

This hire was expected after the legendary defenseman called it quits after just one season with the Oilers. The 17-year veteran helped the club overcome some playoff demons and reach the Western Conference Final but couldn’t do enough to help the Oilers overcome the eventual Stanley Cup champions.

Keith had 21 points in 64 games during his final season, taking his career totals to 1,256 games and 646 points. Those numbers go along with three Stanley Cup championships, two Norris Trophy honors as the league’s best defenseman and the 2015 Conn Smythe as playoff MVP.

One of the best defensemen of his generation, Keith will now move into a front office role where he can begin the next chapter of his hockey career.