Host of "Oilers Now" Bob Stauffer confirmed reports that Keith will be staying on the Oilers, though a specific role hasn't been specified. Stauffer speculates Keith could be an assistant GM, a part of the coaching staff, or in an executive role.
His retirement has had significant salary cap implications for both the Oilers and Blackhawks. For Edmonton, Keith has one year remaining at $5.54 million. That money will now become straight savings and create flexibility for the team.
Chicago, meanwhile, will face a cap recapture penalty of $5.54 million next season and $1.9 million in 2023-23. The reason being that contracts like Keith's long-term, back loaded 13-year, $72-million deal signed in 2009 are now illegal under the CBA. The Blackhawks are therefore being penalized for cap space they saved throughout the first 11 seasons of his contract.
In total, he produced 625 points and a plus-144 rating, averaging a 24:57 ice-time over 1,192 career games.
