Duncan Keith Injury: Updates on Blackhawks Defender's Knee and Return

Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times passed along an update Thursday Hawks general manager Stan Bowman, who said illness "nothing to be alarmed," but he could not give a precise timetable for the return to action star.

Keith had surgery on his knee at the start of last season after suffering a meniscus tear. He returned to play a greater part of the campaign, summarizing nine goals and 34 assists in 67 games. His 43 points ranked 22th in the league among defensemen, despite the time of injury.

Canadian 33-year-old pulled out of the upcoming ice hockey world championship in August in an attempt to complete a full recovery without the risk of failure. Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune held at the request of the team Michael Terry of the decision doctor.

"As Duncan continues to rehabilitate the off-season on the right knee injury that he sustained last season, we understand his decision not to participate in the World Cup of Hockey in the next month," Terry said. "We believe that it is in his best interest to focus on getting stronger and not risk further injury."


Neither Bowman, nor Terry provided further details about the exact nature of the illness. Also, it is unclear whether he has suffered a failure that brought his readiness for the start of the new season in doubt.

Scott Powers Athletic said on Wednesday that Keith Jersey was among the Blackhawks in attendance at the informal skate this week before training camp, which opens next Friday.

Hawks, which again will open the season as one of the top contenders in the Western Conference, is likely to take a cautious approach with Blueliner. It is more important to be close to full strength in the playoffs than to play in the first month of the season.

Rozsival figures to provide a regular place in the queue, while Keith is not cleared to return.