Everyone loves ragging on the Vegas Golden Knights about "loyalty." The jokes pour in about how they'll cut ties with franchise players such as Marc-Andre Fleury or Jonathan Marchessault. It paints Kelly McCrimmon in an unflattering light, where people believe he cares about winning more than players leaving a legacy behind in Las Vegas.
However, that was disproven by McCrimmon's newest deal, re-signing Shea Theodore to a seven-year, $51.975 million contract. The Golden Knights' general manager locked up a key defenseman until 2032, establishing a solid blue-line core for three seasons minimum. Now, the "Original Misfit" is taken off the free agent market next season, getting a solid payday in the process.
If you're wondering what's significant about the defenseman, he's achieved some noteworthy items. That includes being the franchise leader in assists (229), point shares (49.3), and adjusted assists (307). While Marchessault holds more records, Theodore's proven to be a reliable complimentary piece for Vegas.
But that's not the main topic at hand here. There are plenty of reasons why re-signing him will prove to be a fruitful venture for both sides. The impact of Theodore's deal and its various benefits can be found here. Instead, this article involves... loyalty.
Why the argument of the lack of loyalty from the Vegas Golden Knights is dead
When it comes to Kelly McCrimmon and the Vegas Golden Knights, fans will bring up cases such as Marc-Andre Fleury and Jonathan Marchessault. For example, how could you trade a player and have him find out on Twitter, of all places? That's the standard for being a terrible, no-good franchise.
On top of that, your franchise leader in literally everything was shown the door when he asked for additional years... At least, that's how the story goes. When it comes to McCrimmon, he believes in value and players outplaying their contracts. That's been the philosophy that's worked with the Golden Knights since day one.
That's no different with Shea Theodore, who's become a key piece on both sides. Offensively, he's an efficient player whose shots can blast through anyone. Defensively, he carries the puck out without trouble, making him a reliable option in both zones.
That's why McCrimmon was keen to sign him to a long-term extension. Having a key defender for the long haul makes him an important piece. With Marchessault and Fleury, they were terrific players heading towards the twilight of their careers. For the 29-year-old, he's entering the prime of his career.
The "Original Misfit" stays home for good
Given that Theodore is an "Original Misfit," it adds a solid counterargument to the Golden Knights not being loyal to their best players. The defenseman does hold the all-time franchise record in assists, making him an important piece of Vegas hockey history.
With the number of "Misfits" dwindling to a handful these days, it leaves some fans yearning for the simpler days when Vegas was in the Stanley Cup Final in their first season. These times were made possible by the group, who set the standard for Golden Knights hockey.
Theodore is living proof of that and McCrimmon hasn't forgotten this. He also understands the defenseman has plenty to bring to the table, making him a valuable piece for the team. That's why he handed him a sizable contract for seven seasons, where he'll likely retire as a Vegas Golden Knights legend.
Outside fans will question the organization about whether they're loyal to their best players or not. And they have some valid cases! Finding out you've been traded on Twitter isn't the best look for an organization. However, one "Original Misfit" will beg to differ on this day, where he'll stick with the franchise until he potentially retires.