Shea Theodore had an interesting summer filled with rumors and trade proposals. The defenseman is in the last year of his current contract with a cap hit of $5.2 million. Given that the Vegas Golden Knights have a surplus of blue-liners, it would make sense for them to be heavily involved in trade discussions regarding Theodore.
Names like Noah Hanifin will strengthen the unit, adding a surprising amount of offensive bite in different aspects. But let's shift the focus back to Theodore before he possibly gets traded. What does the Canadian blue-liner have in store for the upcoming season? Will he give an encore performance in potentially his last season with the Golden Knights? Or will he hurt himself in the process?
Whatever the case, it offers the chance to have a similar year to Jonathan Marchessault in 2023-24. The fellow "Original Misfit" scored a career-high 42 goals, leading the Golden Knights during the season. Theodore can do the same, giving himself something to use in a contract year. Here's how 2024-25 will look for the "Misfit" and what might hinder him during the upcoming year.
What could factor into the 2024-25 season for Shea Theodore?
A common theme with these earlier articles involved health. The team has suffered a wave of injuries, hurting players such as Mark Stone and Jack Eichel. It hurts the offensive production, leaving the Vegas Golden Knights without much bite. Shea Theodore is no exception to the rule, dealing with countless upper body injuries during his Golden Knights career.
The trade rumors themselves could also be a factor. What happens if the Golden Knights aren't contending and need to offload contracts? Theodore's name will pop up, specifically since he carries a sizable cap hit with him. The change in environment could help (or hurt) his production, depending on where he goes.
Whatever the case, the upcoming year could see a huge year for the defenseman. If Marchessault's production in a contract season was any indication, it could mean big things for Theodore as he plays for a new deal. Whether it's with the Golden Knights remains to be seen, especially with names like Jack Eichel needing new deals. But it's a chance for the Canadian player to bolster his name.