Da Windy City
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Chicago Blackhawks: Five greatest players in franchise history

By Vincent Parise

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 27: Patrick Kane #88, Duncan Keith #2 and Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks on stage during the NHL 100 presented by GEICO Show as part of the 2017 NHL All-Star Weekend at the Microsoft Theater on January 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 27: Patrick Kane #88, Duncan Keith #2 and Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks on stage during the NHL 100 presented by GEICO Show as part of the 2017 NHL All-Star Weekend at the Microsoft Theater on January 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Blackhawks Duncan Keith
(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Duncan Keith

The Blackhawks have had some really good defenseman come through. Chris Chelios might be in this spot if he never was traded to the Detroit Red Wings. He is more of an honorable mention, along with guys like Doug Wilson and Brent Seabrook. The truth of the matter is that Duncan Keith is the greatest defenseman in the history of the Chicago Blackhawks.

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Keith has done everything you can possibly do as a defenseman. There were multiple years that he was far and away the best defenseman in the entire National Hockey League. He has slowed down a little bit in 2019 but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he is the best defenseman and fifth-best player in the history of the Blackhawks.

Keith’s accomplishments speak for themselves. He has been the #1 defenseman on a dynasty that won the Stanley Cup three times in six years. He was so great in all three postseasons that they won, but 2015 was special. It was so special that he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs. That alone speaks for itself, but there is a lot more.

Keith has also won the Norris Trophy twice as the leagues best defenseman. Winning it once is impressive, but twice is simply amazing. Not many elite players ever get to win one let alone two. Keith has been an All-Star three times and the only reason it is only three is because of the format that they use to construct All-Star teams in the NHL. He has also won two Olympic Gold Medals playing for Team Canada.

The Blackhawks have been so lucky to have Duncan Keith, and that is why he is the fifth-best player to ever play for this franchise. It has been so fun to watch, and all of the memories are also related to winning so that is so great. He will be in the Hall of Fame someday.

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