(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
All summer long the discussion has been centered around offense and goaltending. That debate will go to and likely through Opening Night. Who’s going to score and who’s going to stop the puck?
The one area that’s being overlooked is the Golden Knights’ defense and specifically Shea Theodore.
Entering the second half of the season the Golden Knights were struggling offensively. Theodore was part of the problem. He had six goals in the opening three months only to go on a 68-day slump. From January 20th to March 30th, Vegas played 29 games and earned a paltry 30 points. During that drought, the team couldn’t generate enough offense, and Theodore went cold. The left-handed right-side defenseman played 27 games, went scoreless, and registered just nine assists.
Shea Theodore 2021-22 Periodic Stats
- Oct. 12-Jan. 20th: 8 Goals, 21 Assists, 9 PP Points
- Jan. 21st-March 29th: 0 Goals, 9 Assists, 1 PP Point
- March 30th-April 29th: 6 Goals, 8 Assists, 4 Game Winning Goals
Eventually, Theodore broke out of his funk and became a reliable source of offense down the stretch. In Vegas’ last 13 games, the defenseman added six clutch goals to keep his team in the playoff chase. The Golden Knights went 4-0-1 in games that Theodore scored from late March to the end of the season. Had he gotten some help from Mark Stone (9 Games, 1 Goal, 1 Assist) or others, the Golden Knights would likely have qualified for the playoffs.
We all remember how dangerous Theodore was in the 2020 playoff bubble. Most assumed that performance would springboard him into the next level of defensemen. Unfortunately, last season his production was stuck in the mud.
Shea Theodore – VGK Career Offensive Stats
- 2017-18: 6 G, A, 0.48 Points Per Game
- 2018-19: 12 G, 25 A, 0.47 Points Per Game
- 2019-20: 13 G, 33 A, 0.65 Points Per Game
- 2020-21: 8 G, 34 A, 0.79 Points Per Game
- 2021-22: 14 G, 38 A, 0.67 Points Per Game
This season we should expect more consistency throughout the schedule from Theodore. With the addition of new coach Bruce Cassidy, it’s possible the slick skating defenseman can make a bigger impact. Perhaps the new coach will find ways to generate more success on the power play for the team and Theodore. It’s hard to blame their failed PP on any individual but one power play goal in 78 games from #27 is unacceptable.
This shouldn’t be taken lightly. The Golden Knights desperately need Theodore to increase his offensive numbers. The team was stripped of goal scorers in the offseason and Cassidy will need every weapon in order to secure a playoff spot. If Theodore has a career year the front office won’t need to look under any cushions for offense.
Personally, I believe in the Theodore we watched in those final 13 games of last season than the player that couldn’t find the net for two months.
knights fan in minny
i would say they need it from everybody
Tim
If you haven’t figured it out yet Shea Theadore isn’t very sharp. He has a world of talent but not being a quick thinker holds him back from being really really good. You may disagree but I’ve watched him enough and saw enough interviews to tell you he doesn’t process things quick enough. The reason he likes shooting from the blue line it doesn’t take a lot of brains to let it rip from out there. On the other hand guys like Reilly Smith and William Karlsson have the smarts to go along with there skill. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this out.
Neal
I must not be a rocket scientist as you compare William Karlsson and his quick thinking at .52 pts/gm as a center to Shea Theadore and his .67pts/gm as a defenseman last season. Generally you’d expect more points from a top 3 center than you would a defenseman.
Emmanuel
Once a player reaches 25YO you have to accept them for who they are, they arent improving.
THE hockey GOD
Shea makes the same move on every shoot out, you’d think that the opposing goalies would know that move by now.
THE hockey GOD
well at least he’s consistent with that move !
VGK Fan
Theodore has a career year in goals, assist and points and it is simply not good enough. Theodore along with Stephenson could be the best contracts on the team. I would say Theodore would bring the highest return on trade value on our team.
Blitz
Stastny went to the canes. I guess we stop throwing his name around then? 1.5 million. Seems pretty cheap.
VGK Fan
Blitz,
I agree seems cheap also no bonus money. May have taken less to play with a team who has a chance to win the cup.
knights fan in minny
time for evan rodriguez
VGK Fan
Minny,
I like Evan Rodriguez would be a good add to the 3rd line. But I have a bad feeling they are going after Varlamov. I think they should consider just waiting to see how LT plays and keep the cap space and if LT plays well then look at a rental to trade for someone like JT Miller.
knights fan in minny
jt would be fantastic is it doable what does miller make
VGK Fan
Minny,
JT makes 5.25 almost the same as Lehner’s 5 million.
knights fan in minny
lehner should not be on this team again to much drama and distraction give the net to logan see what he has i dont expect much this upcoming season new system to learn i think the first 2 months will be rough if they can get jt miller that would be a big plus
Chuckles
Funny we mentioned needing Iron Men. Got One in Phil Kessel!!! Goalie next. Too many forwards, three vets left without replacements!! Finally got one you can count on!! Training Camp will give an idea of any other needs. I’ve been harping. Knights missed the boat in not getting Big League backup goalies in the expansion draft to help MAF!! All we had were mere AHL destined netminders. Plus, when finally got the veteran in goal. Overpaid two in time for unforseen shortened seasons. Hope this year Goalie issue for now is finally solved!! Otherwise. Your waiting until November may be too late!!!