Shea Thedore Archives - SinBin.vegas

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If you look back to the 2020-21 NHL season you’ll recollect just how dangerous the Golden Knights were. They outscored their opponents by 1.21 goals per game and ended the season with a remarkable +63 in scoring differential. Vegas was a legitimate Cup favorite and was destined to face the Colorado Avalanche for Western conference supremacy. One reason why the Golden Knights had so much success throughout the shortened 56-game season was the support they received from the blue line.

With the addition of Alex Pietrangelo, VGK’s defense in 2021 was among the top scoring clubs in the NHL for points from the men who man the points. Between the group, Vegas’ d-men posted 142 points. Lead by Shea Theodore (8 Goals, 34 Assists), several Golden Knights defenders had career highs in points per game.

So, is it possible to duplicate their blue line scoring in the upcoming 2022-23 season?

We’ve broken down how new coach Bruce Cassidy has a slightly different mindset than previous coach Pete DeBoer when it comes to defensive involvement. Of course in Cassidy’s system blue liners will have the opportunity to score but not as much as they did in the past.

2020-21 VGK Defensemen Points
Shea Theodore: 8 Goals, 34 Assists
Alec Martinez: 9 Goals, 23 Assists
Alex Pietrangelo: 7 Goals, 16 Assists
Nic Hague: 5 Goals, 12 Assists
Zach Whitecloud: 2 Goals, 10 Assists
Brayden McNabb: 2 Goals, 6 Assists

14-year veteran Alec Martinez not only registered his highest points per game average (0.60) but was also a dangerous power play weapon. The two-time Stanley Cup winner scored 3 PP goals in 2021, the most he scored in seven previous seasons. Martinez even lead the Golden Knights struggling man-advantage with two PP goals in the 2021 postseason.

Most fans expect Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore to actively help out offensively but can the rest of the defensive unit step up like they did in 2021? With the lack of natural scoring forwards, even under Cassidy, Golden Knights’ defensemen should have ample opportunities to pitch in. To qualify for the postseason VGK may be forced to rely on crucial points from the point.

What’s the saying? Oh right, it takes a village to win a Cup.

Golden Knights Need Consistency From Shea Theodore In 2022-23

By Jason Pothier

On August 22, 2022

In Team Ops

(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.

History Shows Trading Young Talent For A Current Superstar Isn’t a Bad Move

By Jason Pothier

On June 21, 2018

In Team Ops

Trades involving generational players in their primes are rare in the NHL. Over the course of the last 30 years, it’s happened about five times. Yet, with the Draft getting underway tomorrow and free agency on July 1st, Erik Karlsson’s name could be added to that list any moment.

It seems like Theodore might be on his way to Ottawa if McPhee can complete a deal for Karlsson. (Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

When it comes to a unique talent like Karlsson, every GM in the league will show interest. However, most know they either don’t have the assets or the cap space to acquire the 28-year-old superstar defenseman. Ottawa shipped out Mike Hoffman which solved one problem but they took on salary in the deal, further indicating another deal may be on the horizon. At this point, unless Karlsson is demanding a trade they don’t have to move him. Unfortunately for the Senators, he probably is. Ottawa’s front office may continue to force Bobby Ryan’s hefty contract ($7.25M/4 yrs), forcing some teams to stay away. In the Senators eyes, if the deal isn’t right that’s not their problem.

Erik is a franchise player. We felt that there was no franchise deal out there that could satisfy us to make the best hockey deal. -Pierre Dorion at trade deadline

This may be an unpopular look at the Karlsson to Vegas trade rumors because I know how apprehensive Golden Knights fans are about saying goodbye to their favorite players. Hey, I hear ya. After all, I am the founding member of the Shea Theodore fan club, but it is a business, and if the Golden Knights make a move for Karlsson, their probably on to something.

History tells us teams that make the trade for a star player will usually see major dividends, while the players shipped out tend to have mediocre careers.

Los Angeles receives: Wayne Gretzky, Marty McSorley, and Mike Krushelnyski
Edmonton receives: Three 1st round picks, Martin Gelinas, Jimmy Carson, and $15 million

I won’t waste your time going over Gretzky’s statistics or influence after he was traded to LA. The Oilers were really only in it for the cash. They knew they would lose the trade no matter what, so the closest thing of value was millions of dollars. That being said, they did get two players in the deal.

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Tag: Shea Thedore

Can VGK Repeat Blue Line Success From The 2020-21 Season?

Golden Knights Need Consistency From Shea Theodore In 2022-23

History Shows Trading Young Talent For A Current Superstar Isn’t a Bad Move

Points To Elimination

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