The Vegas Golden Knights made a big step towards keeping one of the league’s best defenses intact. The franchise announced on Thursday that it signed standout defenseman Shea Theodore to a new seven-year, $51.9 million extension.
Theodore, who is now tied to the Golden Knights organization through the 2031-2032 NHL campaign, will have a cap hit of $7.425 million when his new contract starts next season. He is earning $5.2 million in 2024-25.
Theodore made his NHL debut with the Anaheim Ducks in 2015-16 before being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the expansion draft deal between the two teams. Since then, he established himself as a key contributor to the team.
Since arriving in Vegas, Theodore recorded 67 goals and dished 296 points, making him the franchise leader in points among defensemen. He particularly made a big impact on the Golden Knights’ road to a Stanley Cup win in 2023. The Aldergrove, British Columbia native, had 13 points during that run, which made him the second highest-scoring defenseman of the 2023 postseason.
Theodore is off to a great start this season as well, leading the Golden Knights’ defensive unit with seven points (one goal and six assists) in six games. Vegas is currently 4-3-1, enough for second place in the Pacific Division.
