Duncan Keith offered in person hearing by NHL

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith was given a match penalty, ejected from the game, and suspended indefinitely on Tuesday evening after striking Minnesota Wild forward Charlie Coyle in the face with his stick.

It was known at the time of his match penalty that the blue liner would be subject to a hearing from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety following their review of the play. Now, though, it’s also been confirmed that he’s being given the option to come in and have the hearing in person, rather than over the phone.

Chicago's Duncan Keith has been offered an in person hearing for high-sticking on Minnesota's Charlie Coyle.

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) March 30, 2016

Keith is a repeat offender for the NHL, with a five game suspension back in 2012 for an elbow to the face of Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sedin and a one game suspension for doing exactly what he’s in trouble with now – back in 2013, Keith was given his one game ban for swinging his stick into the face of Los Angeles Kings forward Jeff Carter.

If the NHL chooses to give Keith a lengthy suspension – which, as a repeat offender, they very well could – his post-season could be cut a bit short due to missed games. For the Blackhawks, that could be a huge loss, especially after the blue liner was so crucial in the team’s lineup during their most recent successful cup run in 2015.

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