Blackhawks' Duncan Keith: Won't participate in World Cup of Hockey

Keith won't play for Team Canada at the upcoming World Cup of Hockey, Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Analysis:

This is purely a precautionary move for Keith. The 33-year-old defender isn't dealing with a new injury, but has decided to forego the opportunity to represent his country in September's World Cup of Hockey to focus on strengthening his right knee, which was operated on last October to repair a meniscal tear. The two-time Norris Trophy winner will be at full strength for the Blackhawks' regular-season opener, so this latest news shouldn't have any affect on his draft stock.