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Vegas Golden Knights: Theodore riding rapid trajectory towards the very top

By Andrew Steele-Davis

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 09: Shea Theodore #27 of the Vegas Golden Knights follows play against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on November 09, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 09: Shea Theodore #27 of the Vegas Golden Knights follows play against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on November 09, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Shea Theodore of the Vegas Golden Knights scores the game winning goal against Robin Lehner of the Chicago Blackhawks during a shootout at the United Center on October 22, 2019.
Shea Theodore of the Vegas Golden Knights scores the game winning goal against Robin Lehner of the Chicago Blackhawks during a shootout at the United Center on October 22, 2019. /

What’s Next For Theodore?

If hockey returns at some point this year then there is no doubt that Shea Theodore will be a huge factor for the Golden Knights in the postseason.

Solid in his own zone with tremendous awareness, Theodore’s elite offensive instincts have been fully unleashed by being paired with Alec Martinez, who has evolved into a stay-at-home defenseman in the latter stages of his career.

As such, having a dependable partner alongside him has allowed Theodore to do what he does best, which is to help the transition game, join the rush and make things happen in the offensive zone.

He has the ability to come up clutch in key moments while he’s rapidly evolving into one of the best power play quarterbacks in the NHL.

Even if hockey doesn’t return this year, however, then the future is still incredibly bright for Shea Theodore and the Golden Knights.

Shea Theodore of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates a goal against the Dallas Stars in the second period at American Airlines Center on November 25, 2019.
Shea Theodore of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates a goal against the Dallas Stars in the second period at American Airlines Center on November 25, 2019. /

In the scenario that we don’t get any hockey until 2020-21, then Theodore will enter that year as the undisputed No.1 defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights.

With the solid Martinez as his likely partner, Theodore will again be tasked with being the driving force for the Golden Knights while continuing to act as the lynchpin on the top power play unit.

The most tantalizing aspect of Theodore’s game is the fact that, at 24-years-old, the blueliner is only just starting to scratch the surface of his potential.

Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug and St. Louis Blues Captain Alex Pietrangelo on the points leaderboard for blueliners, Theodore is on the cusp of not only evolving into a franchise defenseman, but also becoming a bona-fide top 10 stud in the NHL.

If he carries on this current rapid trajectory then don’t be surprised if Theodore starts attracting All-Star buzz, while he’s standing on the precipice of becoming a Norris Trophy contender in a year or two.

Next. Projecting Cody Glass' role in 2020-21. dark

Overall, the Vegas Golden Knights saw a real opportunity there for the taking in Shea Theodore at the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft, and it has already been one hell of a home run.

And it should only be a matter of time until that home run well and truly clears the stands for the Golden Knights.

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