Rumor: An update on Duncan Keith to Oilers trade

Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shocked the hockey world last week when he reported that future Hall of Famer and Chicago Blackhawks legend Duncan Keith has requested a trade out of Chicago. Friedman reported that Keith, who has full no-trade and no-movement clauses, would like to be traded to "either the Pacific Northwest or Western Canada."

Over this past weekend the trade picture for Keith cleared up a bit and at the moment it appears that only the Edmonton Oilers and Seattle Kraken are in the mix for the veteran blueliner. It appears that the Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets have not pursued Keith and for whatever reason Keith is not interested in joining the Calgary Flames. All the talk certainly seems to indicate that Oilers GM Ken Holland is in hot pursuit of Keith.

Here's the latest from TSN insider Darren Dreger and his take on the Keith to Edmonton rumours:

“I think that is the best way to describe it, likely, but nothing is imminent at this point. Stan Bowman the general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks wants to do what’s best for Duncan Keith in this situation. I mean when this guy’s career ends is going straight to the Hall of Fame. But it has to be right for the Hawks as well.

The Edmonton Oilers would like to bring Duncan Keith into the mix. I mean, talk about an experienced blue line.

It sounds like they are getting close on Adam Larsson and sealing up an extension there.

You’ve got Oscar Klefbom who is still in recovery after having shoulder surgery. He could be back in the NHL as early as late September, maybe early October.

I’m told that Ken Holland will also meet with CAA Hockey who represent Tyson Barrie about a potential extension, keeping him with the Oilers week.

So that blue line in Edmonton could look a lot different.”

I've got to say, if I'm an Oilers fan all this talk makes me very, VERY nervous.

Keith is signed to a long-term, big money contract and he's nowhere near the player that he used to be. If Oilers fans are expecting him to come in and replace Tyson Barrie's minutes, they've got another thing coming.