Three Potential Destinations for Vegas Star Defenseman Shea Theodore
Shea Theodore has excelled since joining the Vegas Golden Knights in their debut season. Including his tenure with the Anaheim Ducks, Theodore has accumulated 235 assists and 306 points over 497 regular-season NHL games. Last season, he stood out on the Golden Knights’ blueline and is seen as a potential future legend for the team. However, a Sports Illustrated article recently highlighted the Golden Knights’ ongoing salary cap issues.
Shea Theodore and the Golden Knights’ Salary Cap Challenge
The Vegas Golden Knights are $3.25 million over the salary cap, with eight players (five UFAs and three RFAs) approaching free agency next season. These include key prospects like Brendan Brisson and Alexander Holtz, making it likely that some players will need to leave to balance the budget, similar to Nazem Kadri’s departure from the Colorado Avalanche after their 2022 Stanley Cup win. If Theodore becomes part of this necessary roster adjustment, here are three possible landing spots for him:
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs are a straightforward option with a lot of potential benefits. Jake McCabe, who had career highs in goals (8) and assists (20) last season, is a strong candidate for a trade. McCabe also excelled in hits and blocked shots, areas where Vegas could use support. Trading Theodore for McCabe would help alleviate Vegas’ salary cap issues for another season, although McCabe would become a UFA afterward, presenting a future challenge.
Florida Panthers
Despite appearing to be a long shot, the defending Stanley Cup champions could be a viable destination for Theodore. With Brandon Montour now with the Seattle Kraken, the Panthers could see Theodore as a key player to aid their chances for a repeat championship. In return, Vegas might consider players like former Golden Knight Nate Schmidt or blue-chip prospect Vladislav Lukashevich to balance the deal. Niko Mikkola, known for his grit, could also be a useful asset against tough opponents.
Utah Hockey Club
With nearly $10 million in projected cap space, the Utah Hockey Club is an attractive option. Owner Ryan Smith has shown a willingness to make bold moves, and their defense corps needs reinforcement. While Sean Durzi is a popular candidate among fans due to his scoring and defensive skills, Michael Kesselring might be a better fit for Vegas. Kesselring offers a blend of offense and grit with a manageable $1.4 million cap hit. This move, combined with other adjustments, could provide Vegas with enough flexibility to pursue additional scoring talent like Lucas Raymond. Despite concerns about Kesselring’s lack of playoff goals at the junior and AHL levels, the unpredictable nature of the Stanley Cup playoffs could turn such concerns into success.
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