The Golden Knights announced a seven-year contract extension for defenseman Shea Theodore, locking him in at $7.425 million per season.
Only four players from the Vegas Golden Knights’ inaugural NHL season remain on the roster, and the team has secured one of them for the long haul.
This contract holds significant importance for several reasons.
Shea Theodore is not only one of Vegas’ standout players but also a key defenseman. He has been with the franchise since its inception and was selected during the initial expansion draft from the Anaheim Ducks.
Theodore made an immediate impact on the Golden Knights’ defense, contributing to their remarkable run to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season as they quickly became serious contenders. During the team’s championship-winning season in 2023, he logged over 20 minutes per game in the playoffs while anchoring the top defense pairing, finishing with one goal and 12 assists.
In addition to his solid defensive play, Theodore is one of the most productive defensemen in the NHL. Since joining Vegas at the start of the 2017-18 season, he ranks 16th among NHL defensemen with 296 points, and his 0.66 points per game average places him 15th in that category.
His extension also greatly diminishes this summer’s potential free-agent pool, as Theodore would have been one of the top defensemen available had he entered the market.
The Golden Knights have consistently shown a willingness to spend to the maximum of the NHL salary cap, often signing substantial contracts and addressing any potential repercussions later. This move exemplifies that strategy, as they now have their top three defensemen—Theodore, Noah Hanifin, and Alex Pietrangelo—secured with long-term deals, all exceeding $7 million per season.
Alongside Theodore, the remaining players from Vegas’ original 2017-18 roster include William Karlsson, Brayden McNabb, and Zach Whitecloud.
