Why the Vegas Golden Knights should re-sign Shea Theodore long-term

Fans are wondering if this will be Shea Theodore's last season with the Vegas Golden Knights. He's been involved in countless trade rumors throughout the summer and the team has pressing salary cap issues. Add a notorious recent injury history and Kelly McCrimmon has extra incentive not to extend him. Slowly, the "Original Misfits" are disappearing from Las Vegas, leaving William Karlsson as the lone wolf from the "old" days.

Considering that the star defenseman just became a new father (congratulations, by the way!), it's a tough pill to swallow. Both sides haven't started talking about a contract extension, according to Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts. It doesn't seem as alarming as one would think, specifically with Jack Eichel due for a contract extension. Why shouldn't they bring him back for the long run?

After all, there are good reasons to believe the team should re-sign the underrated defenseman. Theodore adds countless value as an offensive star, improving Vegas's scoring unit. He's also the franchise leader in point shares with 48.2, the hockey equivalent of baseball's WAR statistic. Considering how valuable the figures are in baseball, fans should believe he brings plenty to the table. Here's why the Golden Knights should consider bringing the "Original Misfit" along for the championship window.

Shea Theodore adds an extra element to the Vegas Golden Knights offense

Running an offense is a tough task to do. You must account for players going in all sorts of directions while trying to watch the opponents defending. It's a job that mere mortals can't take on, for they'll get swept up in the chaos. However, Shea Thedore has done an excellent job commanding the play, both in even-strength and on the power play.

Like Jack Eichel, Theodore does a terrific job finding the open man. He can create and coordinate scoring opportunities out of thin air, fooling defenders with his intelligent play. Part of what makes him an appealing defenseman is this offensive acumen, where he can run as a complimentary piece on the attack.

It also substitutes the need for extra forwards, for he can step in and create offensive opportunities. That's a small part of how the Vegas Golden Knights haven't made any noteworthy moves. Why go after a player who relies on upside when you have a proven playmaker in your offense? Theodore's presence makes the job easier for Vegas.

Overall, it's not bad to run it back with one of the better blue-liners in the NHL. Considering the Golden Knights haven't had a stellar power play unit during their franchise history, it's a good idea to hold onto the one playmaker that makes things easier. Add in the fact he's 29 years old, making it easier to hold onto him compared to an older winger.

Reality might have something different in store for Theodore and the Golden Knights

Here's the sad truth, dear reader. The Vegas Golden Knights are tight on cap space and don't have much room to make a move. Considering Jack Eichel has two years on his contract, it makes life tougher to make other moves. Fortunately for them, Theodore's the only huge name hitting free agency next season.

Still, the recent news of the Golden Knights and Shea Theodore not commencing extension talks doesn't inspire much confidence in the situation. Kelly McCrimmon is seeing a $5.2 million cap hit and thinking about how that number could get more expensive next summer. It's a tough situation for the franchise, especially involving an "Original Misfit." After all, the organization is known for its stance on players outperforming their contracts.

Will we see the last season with the beloved defenseman? That will be determined by next summer's end. However, one thing's perfectly clear. The star blue-liner deserves consideration for staying in Las Vegas a bit longer. When you're 29 years old and notch 37 assists in 47 games, it should raise eyebrows among the fanbase... and the league.