The Vegas Golden Knights have recalled top prospect defenseman Shea Theodore and he will make his Vegas debut Monday against the New York Islanders, the team announced.
Theodore posted five goals, six assists, and 11 points through eight games and was seventh in the AHL in scoring, first in terms of defensemen.
The move comes after the Golden Knights waived defensemen Jason Garrison and Griffin Reinhart. Both cleared waivers and will look to have prominent positions on the Chicago Wolves roster.
My initial gut reaction was: damn it. I’ve grown quite fond of watching Theodore utterly dominate the AHL, have some of the best skating in the league, and control the pace of the game in every aspect. When Theodore is on the ice, there’s not much traction for the other team, and he has the potential to quickly flip the switch and get a win. See the game against the Milwaukee Admirals for proof.
Barbashev → Theodore → 🚨!#MILvsCHI pic.twitter.com/bNskMQQL2L
— Chicago Wolves (@Chicago_Wolves) October 29, 2017
Theodore is the future of the Golden Knights’ blue line. He’s a puck-moving, incredibly well skating defenseman who can find space where there is none and get back on defense quickly. He’s been playing on the first unit power play and penalty kill in Chicago, and he’s excelled at both. The Wolves’ penalty kill is one of the best in the AHL in part because of his efforts.
The defenseman was brought over in an expansion draft trade with the Anaheim Ducks. He played quite well last postseason in the playoffs, posting 2-6—8 in 14 playoff games.
In the end, Theodore was too good to play in the AHL for any extended amount of time. After George McPhee proved that he was willing to open up space, it was only a matter of time before the 22-year-old was playing in the NHL.