Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore is off to a hot start through two games in a big contract year.
The 29-year-old is in the final year of a seven-year, $5.2M AAV contract and will be a UFA at the end of the season. Theodore is the most productive defenseman in Golden Knights history but recent moves have put his future with the organization in question.
Earlier in September, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned that no formal talks had commenced between the Golden Knights and Theodore but he had no doubts that they haven’t had conversations about it.
Theodore was in the midst of his best statistical season during the 2023-24 campaign before suffering an injury that forced him to miss a large chunk of the season. His injury prompted the Golden Knights’ decision to make a splash in the trade market and acquire Noah Hanifin. Hanifin’s play with the Golden Knights earned him an eight-year extension, the contract that Theodore is likely looking for.
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Theodore’s play early in the season has shown that he is deserving of that contract and whether it comes from the Golden Knights or somewhere else is yet to be determined. Through two games Theodore has scored a goal and four assists, two of which came on the power play. He’s also averaging a second more of ice time per game over Hanifin and is second on the team to just his partner, Alex Pietrangelo.
HC Bruce Cassidy spoke about the pair’s excellent play through two games.
“I think it starts in the D-zone, they’ve done a good job below the goal line killing plays together,” said Cassidy. “They’ve been in sync. Those handoffs, kind of in the trapezoid and that’s how one of the goals started last night, I want to say Barbashev’s. Theo closes, and it goes out the other side, Petro’s able to end the play and start an outlet with a nice little breakout pass. Even though it’s only 15 feet, it’s a good play. They’ve done a good job of their first pass, however it’s played out.”
The work they’ve done offensively has surprised Cassidy and he’s glad the chemistry with the Golden Knights top line consisting of Ivan Barbashev, Jack Eichel and Mark Stone has clicked in transition.
“O-zone blueline work we know they’re both good players that way. They’ve got a good set of hands and skills. They can both shoot the puck, a good nose of when to go in and instincts and they want to be involved so that part will come out no matter who they play with but I think they’ve been in sync defensively as good as anybody.”
The start of the season has been exactly what Theodore could have hoped for. Staying healthy this season will be an important factor for the Aldergrove, British Columbia native. If his play stays at a high level and his health stays intact, Theodore could land the contract he desires and help the team compete for another Stanley Cup.
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