Chicago Blackhawks fans looking forward to next month’s World Cup of Hockey will be disappointed to learn that one of the team’s biggest stars will not be participating in the event.
That star is defenseman Duncan Keith, who has opted out of the tournament as he continues rehabbing a knee injury that he suffered last season.
“As Duncan continues offseason rehabilitation on the right knee injury that he sustained last season, we understand his decision not to participate in the next month’s World Cup of Hockey,” Blackhawks head team physician Dr. Michael Terry said in a statement. "We believe it is in his best interests to focus on getting stronger and not risk further injury."
According to a the Chicago Sun-Times, Keith will be replaced on the Canadian World Cup roster by defenseman Jay Bouwmeester.
Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and goaltender Corey Crawford will still represent Canada in the tournament, which will begin next month in Toronto.
Keith has made four appearances with Canadian national teams during his NHL career, winning Olympic gold with the squad in both 2010 and 2014 and also participating with the Canadian squad in the 2008 and 2012 World Championships. In 30 career games with the national team, Keith has one goal and 19 assists.
