Keith wins Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman presents Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith with the Conn Smythe Trophy.Reuters/Chicago

Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Duncan Keith was the unanimous winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy on Monday as the most valuable player during the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup playoffs. Keith, the first defenceman to win the award since 2007, capped a dominant playoff run with the championship-winning goal in helping Chicago capture their third Stanley Cup in six years with a 4-2 series win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. “You don’t win a championship without everybody,” Keith said. “I know that might sound cliche, but it really is true with hockey. It is an unbelievable team game. We had everyone going from top to bottom and that’s what you need.” The ice-time eating defenceman was a lock to win playoff MVP honours, and he became the first blue liner to win the Conn Smythe Trophy since Scott Niedermayer of the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 and the fourth in the last two decades. Keith, who averaged over 31 minutes a game in the playoffs, not only helped his team defensively, but in the offensive end, too. His three goals - all game-winners - and 21 points led all defencemen. His 18 assists also was worth noting because only four defencemen in NHL history have collected more assists in one playoff year and none since Brian Leetch in 1994. In addition to the Conn Smythe Trophy, Keith has now won three Stanley Cups with Chicago, two Olympic gold medals with Canada and two Norris Trophies as the NHL’s top defenceman. “There are a lot of guys I’m proud to be with in this group,” Keith said. “It’s basically been the same team and winning these championships with this group is special.” Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens agreed to terms on a three-year contract with forward Torrey Mitchell, the team said Monday. The team did not reveal the value, but ESPN reported it is worth $3.6mn. The Washington Capitals re-signed goaltender Philipp Grubauer to a two-year, one-way contract. General manager Brian MacLellan announced Grubauer will earn $650,000 during the 2015-16 season and $850,000 in 2016-17. Grubauer would have entered restricted free agency this summer.