It seems like an annual thing for Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore. He gets featured on the NHL Network's Top 20 Defensemen Right Now list and leaves, getting recognized for his hard work. After Mitch Marner was rated the NHL's fourth-best winger, the Misfit was ranked No. 19 on the NHL Network's list.
Fresh off his #StanleyCup Final appearance, Shea Theodore (@GoldenKnights) comes in at #️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ on NHL Network's Top 20 Defensemen Right Now list!
— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) August 9, 2026
📺: #NHLTopPlayers on NHL Network pic.twitter.com/Zc6IexwZUv
Last season, Theodore was 15th on the list after notching 50 assists in 2024-25. This year's ranking is a four-spot drop for the Original Misfit after he only tallied 10 goals and 29 assists last season. That included two goals and three assists on the power play, marking a massive downturn for the Golden Knights' defenseman.
Still, it's business as usual for Theodore as he gets recognized for his hard work. He's the Golden Knights' all-time leader in point shares (65.3) and adjusted assists (318). That alone should give him some consideration for being in the NHL Network's Top 20 Defenseman list at the moment.
But it goes beyond that. Theodore is in his prime (31 years old) and has a solid group in front of him. He also had his best defensive showing last season with 5.5 defensive point shares. That quietly played a key role in staying within the Top 20.
Watch for Theodore to rebound this season with the Golden Knights. He's shown that he can be a quiet contributor and help out when it matters most. That alone will give him plenty of consideration from hockey fans everywhere, especially in the Las Vegas area.
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