Vegas Hockey Knight
Fansided

Vegas Golden Knights First Half Report Cards: Defensemen

By Richard Cardinale

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 23: Nate Schmidt #88 of the Vegas Golden Knights warms up prior to the game against the Washington Capitals at T-Mobile Arena on December 23, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 23: Nate Schmidt #88 of the Vegas Golden Knights warms up prior to the game against the Washington Capitals at T-Mobile Arena on December 23, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 8
Next

Shea Theodore

LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 7: Shea Theodore #27 of the Vegas Golden Knights skates against the New York Rangers during the game at T-Mobile Arena on January 7, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 7: Shea Theodore #27 of the Vegas Golden Knights skates against the New York Rangers during the game at T-Mobile Arena on January 7, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images) /

In all likelihood, Shea Theodore is the future of the blue line for the Vegas Golden Knights. This kid has shown flashes of greatness and mental errors as well. But that’s the life of an up and coming NHL defensemen at 22-years old.

When Knights fans found out their team acquired Theodore in a trade at the expansion draft in June, they were ecstatic and rightfully so. He moves the puck better than any other Knights defenseman and shows a ton of speed on the back end. The Langley, British Columbia native recorded four goals, nine assists and 13 points in 26 games played.

Pairing with veteran defenseman Deryk Engelland was one of the best moves Gerard Gallant made during the season. As each game passes, Theodore’s ice time increases and that means Gallant is trusting the 22-year old more and more. One concern I may have with him going forward is clearing pucks as that’s not one of his strongest suits yet.

Overall, Theodore is a superb talent, and the Knights are lucky to have him. We all know about his offensive ability, so I wouldn’t mind if he took the entire second half of the year to develop his defensive skills. But so far so good for the young stud blueliner.

Grade: B

Home/Editorials