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Shea Theodore looks to go beyond career highs

By Christopher Lyke

Apr 12, 2022; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks in the third period at Rogers Arena. Canucks won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2022; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks in the third period at Rogers Arena. Canucks won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports /
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There is no secret that Shea Theodore during his time in Vegas has become one of the league’s top defensemen. Unlike Brayden McNabb, who is an aggressive traditional defenseman, Theodore is a player that will use the defensive position to set up the offensive firepower the Golden Knights have come to be known for since their inception. Much like that of McNabb, he was also acquired as an original Golden Knight in the expansion draft. Expectations for players like Theodore are always high considering he is in the new wave of defensive players heavily focused on generating scoring chances.

This is a part of a series of profile features on the complete Golden Knights roster heading into the 2022-23 season.

The Shea Theodore File
6’2 | 195 | Shoots: Right | Defenseman
Hometown: Langley, British Columbia | DOB: 08/03/95
Draft Status: 26th overall | 1st Round (2013) – Anaheim Ducks
How Acquired: Expansion Draft | Under Contract Through: 2024-25
’22-’23: $5.2M | ’23-’24: $5.2M | ’24-’25: $5.2M

Generating the buzz is the key to Shea Theodore

As far as Shea Theodore goes as a scoring defenseman, he is right up there when it comes to comparing the rest of the league’s top players. The evidence is out there that Theodore’s presence on the ice makes the club a much better threat putting the puck in the net than with most NHL players. Among the things to expect includes seeing Theodore as an aggressive play-maker for the Golden Knight power play. With Bruce Cassidy looking to improve the special teams, the prospects of Theodore being a factor should improve.

When it comes to targets that we should expect out of the Langley, British Columbia native, a shot at his career highs in points certainly is not out of the question. In each of the last three seasons, his offensive production has risen consistently. The high ceiling for Theodore in terms of scoring should be around the 55-62 point range. If those numbers are achieved, 2022-23 will be yet another career year. As for the low ceiling, 38-43 should be easily obtainable. If we see him in that low ceiling, the club will need to look for that impact to come from other areas on the roster.

Shea Theodore
Apr 12, 2022; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks in the third period at Rogers Arena. Canucks won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports /

Player Statistics

2015-16 | ANA | 19 GP | (3 G, 5 A) 8 pts, 2 PIM
2016-17 | ANA | 34 GP | (2 G, 7 A) 9 pts, 28 PIM
2017-18 | VGK | 61 GP | (6 G, 23 A) 29 pts, 14 PIM
2018-19 | VGK | 79 GP | (12 G, 25 A) 37 pts, 20 PIM
2019-20 | VGK | 71 GP | (13 G, 33 A) 46 pts, 25 PIM
2020-21 | VGK | 53 GP | (8 G, 34 A) 42 pts, 14 PIM
2021-22 | VGK | 78 GP | (14 G, 38 A) 52 pts, 24 PIM

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