Oilers: Three Good Things About the Duncan Keith Trade

Leadership Qualities Have Potential Value

Impossible to quantify, but true leaders do exist in the world. Edmontonians will naturally think of the UFA signing of Milan Lucic and the vaunted intangible qualities he was going to bring to the Oilers’ young dressing room and shake their heads at the concept, but it’s possible Keith can do better.

While anyone would 1989-90 Mark Messier on their club with all of his 129 points, it was the 1993-94 version that found a way to get the Rangers past their legendary Stanley Cup drought. Admittedly, the 84 points he scored that season are significantly more than Keith’s measly 5, but the premise is the same.

Keith doesn’t need to come in and take over the room.  Frankly, if you aren’t inspired to play your best hockey when you get to suit up next to the best player in the world today, witnessing all the things he does to keep himself in top shape and constantly improve his game, then maybe pro hockey isn’t for you.

But on defence Edmonton could use a stronger voice, that might have been Oscar Klefbom were he healthy, and others such as Darnell Nurse or a re-signed Adam Larsson could play the role as well, but Keith’s ability to say that he has been to the top of the mountain, and to help younger players understand what getting there takes, should benefit the team.