One might look at adjusted assists and think the stat nerds are at it again.
"What are those pencilneck idiots up to now?"
"Why can't we have the normal stats where we measure a player's success with simple numbers?"
"Where are my goals and assists that I grew up with?? I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!"
Well, dear reader, here's a breakdown of what the statistic means. It's calculated by three factors: The schedule, the era, and the roster size. These three adjustments are multiplied to get the final number. They account for different scenarios, including schedule length, scoring environments, and roster sizes. It calculates a player's overall effectiveness as a distributor and playmaker. The full explanation can be found here, given by hockey reference as a complete breakdown.
The Vegas Golden Knights have numerous names that could be at the top of this list. They've maximized their playmaking potential, setting up scoring opportunities for their teammates. Many of these are why the Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup in 2022-23, giving them much-needed offense. That includes Jonathan Marchessault and Shea Theodore, players who've made a name for themselves in the franchise's history.
So who has the most "adjusted assists?" Does it happen to be Theodore or Marchessault? What about an unexpected candidate like Brayden McNabb? Believe it or not, the list is closer at the top, with only two adjusted assists separating the leader. Here are the top players in the category.
Shea Theodore is the Vegas Golden Knights franchise leader in adjusted assists with 240
Jonathan Marchessault has a lion's share of the franchise records for the Vegas Golden Knights. He's the career leader in goals (192), assists (225), and points (417), to name a few. One would think he also has the adjusted assists category in the bag. After all, he's shown himself as a worthy winger for the Golden Knights.
However, he fell two adjusted assists short of the top spot, beaten out by defenseman Shea Theodore (240). Marchessault's 238 wasn't enough to get him another statistical record, leaving him just short of the goal. Sitting in third is William Karlsson, who has 228 career adjusted assists with the Golden Knights. As for Brayden McNabb, he's ninth with 89, sitting three ahead of Alex Tuch (86).
Theodore being the leader in this category showed his overall effectiveness as an offensively-minded defenseman. He's capable of quarterbacking the offense during the power play and acting as a complimentary piece to stars like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. It shouldn't surprise Golden Knights fans, who've seen him evolve into a solid blue-liner.