When you're Shea Theodore, 50 assists (with 17 coming on the power play) should get you recognition from your peers. That's especially true when you play for a superpower team like the Vegas Golden Knights. Surely, you'll be recognized for your hard work and dedication to the game, right?
Well, the NHL Network agrees with this sentiment.
When you score a career-high 57 points and are one of the best defensive-defensemen in the league, you make the list!
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 13, 2025
Welcome to the Top 20 Defensemen list, Shea Theodore! ⚔️@GoldenKnights | #NHLTopPlayers pic.twitter.com/GFLqi7fTsx
Last season, Theodore was unranked in the NHL Network's Top 20 defensemen rankings. He scored five goals and 37 assists in 47 games, which didn't do much for the rankings. However, a career year where he broke through countless personal records has catapulted him to the 15th spot in the rankings.
Taking the top spot was Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, who had 30 goals and 62 assists last season. He was an essential part of the Avalanche being one of the toughest teams in the NHL, pushing them towards the Stanley Cup playoffs.
What about the other Golden Knights blue liners?
As for the Golden Knights, no other blue-liners made the rankings. Noah Hanifin dropped off the rankings after suffering a mild setback. Last season, he was ranked 18th with 13 goals and 34 assists in 2023-24. However, the Boston native suffered a slight setback with 10 goals and 29 assists in 2024-25.
If Hanifin can have a bounce-back season with Vegas, he can join the list for 2025-26. That also depends on whether Theodore can maintain his pace from last season. If so, that would have Golden Knights fans saying one thing if that were the case.
Absolutely, it is. Hanifin having a rebound year and Theodore picking up where he left off will help Vegas in many ways. You have guys who complement the attack well and are proficient in special teams. Overall, this is helpful for Theodore, who needed some form of recognition.
After signing a seven-year contract extension with the Golden Knights, Theodore finally gets recognized for his talents as a two-way defenseman. Of course, he can go even higher if he shores some things up offensively and defensively.
Fortunately, he has a superstar winger from the Toronto area to help him carry the offensive load. With Mitch Marner coming to town, the attack gets better on every front. Not only that, but the Golden Knights can enjoy more benefits on even strength and the power play. All of this to go with a Stanley Cup in June would add to the excitement.
Wouldn't that be great?