A pair of "Original Misfits" are inching closer to a Vegas Golden Knights return

Vegas Golden Knights fans received some inspiring news on Tuesday. No, it's not just from a hockey sense. It's also from a nostalgia standpoint. Both William Karlsson and Shea Theodore moved one step closer to returning on the ice.

Someone tell Reilly Smith because there's an "Original Misfit" tour happening. Tickets will be flying out the door as fans flock to see the gang back together again. Well, almost everyone. There's a certain Napoleon Bonaparte-esque figure in Nashville now.

But enough about Jonathan Marchessault two-stepping his way in Nashville. This is about Theodore coming back in a red no-contact jersey. The defenseman had seven goals and 41 assists in 55 games before sustaining an upper-body injury at the 4 Nations Face-Off. But what about the other "Misfit?"

It appears Reilly Smith will get his "Misfit" buddy back in the lineup, joining him for some "Day F****** One" shenanigans. Of course, they needed a Quebecois player on that line, which is where Nicolas Roy comes in. Still, having two "Misfits" on the same line for Thursday's contest (at least that's what's trending) in Boston is a win in itself.

It isn't a simple reunion that fans are focused on, though. It's also a strategic placement that will help the Golden Knights snap out of their mini-funk. What implications are there to having two players since the first franchise game? Will it help the team break out of its mini-struggles?

What getting Shea Theodore and William Karlsson back means for the Vegas Golden Knights

First and foremost, the special teams will be affected by having the two "Misfits" back. That goes for both the penalty kill (76.6%, 21st in the NHL entering Tuesday) and the power play (28.8%, second in the NHL) But let's start with what Karlsson can bring to the table with his impending return.

Now, you don't just have Reilly Smith as a threat to score short-handed goals. You also have the Swedish forward who has one this season. He has 13 throughout his career, making him a constant threat to break free for a rush and scoring opportunity.

Pair him with Smith and that creates even more chaos. Two scoring threats on the penalty kill with solid two-way games? Sign me up! Get ready for more scoring chances and exits because that's what the duo brings.

Karlsson also has some power play experience, where he can anchor the second unit. The 32-year-old does have two assists on the power play this season. However, Theodore's eventual return will boost the group further, bringing his 17 power play assists with him.

The players compliment one another

It's been mentioned numerous times about how efficient Reilly Smith and William Karlsson have been together. However, it's also worth looking at how the Swedish forward functions with his other "Misfit." According to Natural Stat Trick, this is what the duo have done together since the start of 2023-24.

When the duo is on the ice together, they do much better with setting up scoring opportunities and shot selection. Overall, the group becomes more aggressive and attacks the net more. With Smith on board, it creates a cohesive offensive attack where the Vegas Golden Knights can barrage the goaltender with shots.

That's why nostalgia isn't a bad thing for the Golden Knights here. Familiarity with your teammates and what they bring to the table always helps. It doesn't matter if it's Karlsson's two-way game or Theodore being a solid leader on the rush. Having your friends back again makes everyone better.