Blackhawks' Keith laments team's loss of 'good buddy' Sharp

It's never easy to say goodbye to good friends.

When the Chicago Blackhawks take the ice this season they'll be doing so without forward Patrick Sharp, a painful truth that defenseman Duncan Keith is still struggling to accept.

"Thinking about how he wasn’t going to be back doesn’t feel that good," Keith told NHL.com's Arpon Basu. "He’s a good buddy, you wish he was going to be there."

Sharp was dealt to the Dallas Stars, along with prospect Stephen Johns, this offseason in a deal for defenseman Trevor Daley and forward Ryan Garbutt. He spent 10 seasons with the Blackhawks.

Keith likely won't be seeing his good pal for a while, as the Blackhawks and Stars don't face off until Dec. 22.