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Vegas Golden Knights Defenseman Shea Theodore Looking To Hit Stride

By Richard Cardinale |
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 28: Shea Theodore #53 of the Anaheim Ducks handles the puck during the game against the Edmonton Oilers in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 28, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Robert Binder/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 28: Shea Theodore #53 of the Anaheim Ducks handles the puck during the game against the Edmonton Oilers in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 28, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Robert Binder/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

Shea Theodore’s chance with the Vegas Golden Knights is there, now it’s up to him to take it.

The Vegas Golden Knights training camp is almost here, and the excitement level from the fans is at an all time high. City National Arena will host all Golden Knights training camp dates and practices. Just about half the roster has arrived for captains practice, and one of those names already getting a head start is Shea Theodore.

The Golden Knights acquired Theodore from the Anaheim Ducks via the expansion draft. In exchange, the Ducks were able to keep their more established defensemen. And the Golden Knights also acquired fellow blueliner Clayton Stoner as part of the deal.

The 22-year-old defenseman brings a ton of potential to the NHL’s newest franchise. In the 2016-17 regular season for Anaheim, Theodore scored two goals, seven assists, nine points in 34 games. However, his play picked up in the playoffs as the Ducks went deep into the Western Conference Finals. In 14 games played for Anaheim, he nearly matched his regular season total with two goals, six assists, and eight points.

Surprisingly, it hasn’t been Theodore’s play that had him sitting in the Honda Center press box night in and night out. It was because of the surplus of defensemen that Anaheim has at their disposal. His performance was never really an issue; it was just simply finding a spot for him to play.

That’s where the Golden Knights come into play. The new expansion franchise swung the door wide open for Theodore’s chance to play in the NHL every day and get top-four minutes on the blue line. The Langley, British Columbia native brings a lot of tools to the table and is a fascinating player to watch.

Theodore has a projectable size at 6’2 and 195 lbs, and he’ll need to use every bit of his frame to be a better NHL player. But Theodore already possesses outstanding puck moving ability and could quarterback the number one powerplay unit for Vegas. And the young upstart has excellent mobility and loves using his massive shot.

Theodore has all the talent in the world, but he needs to work on limiting his offensive chances. Too many times Theodore made questionable saucer passes that lead to odd man rushes going the other way. He also needs to get physically stronger and maximize his fullest potential.

Next: How Many Years Will It Take For The Golden Knights To Get Where They Want To Be?

Another issue that could hold things up for Theodore is the amount of left-handed defenseman on the roster. The Vegas Golden Knights currently have nine defensemen who are left-handed and only two who are right-handed. Therefore, this could pose a challenge for Theodore in his quest for a starting lineup slot.

All in all, with a good camp and the right attitude, Theodore should be able to crack the opening night roster. There’s not a ton of margin for error for any one of the defensemen that are trying to make the roster. But with the level of skill that Theodore possesses, the sky is the limit for the Vegas Golden Knights prospect.

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