Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) takes a shot on goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames at T-Mobile Arena Thursday, March 16, 2023.
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 | 3:06 p.m.
Healthy bodies are trickling in for the Golden Knights at the right time. Another one may soon be back in an important way.
Defenseman Shea Theodore was a full-contact participant in practice Wednesday for the first time since an upper-body injury he sustained in November required surgery. Theodore took part in drills with no setbacks evident.
Theodore could return to the ice Saturday at home against the Carolina Hurricanes. With four days off between games, it’s an ideal scenario to get Theodore back up to speed in time.
But coach Bruce Cassidy didn’t guarantee Theodore will be back Saturday, noting next week might be more of a realistic timeline.
“I’m not going to put anything on it because it’s only Wednesday,” Cassidy said. “But (we’re) excited just the fact he’s mixed in, because it’s been a long time.”
Theodore hasn’t played since Nov. 22 in a 2-1 overtime win against the Dallas Stars in Dallas. He underwent surgery a week later.
While he may not be the team’s No. 1 defenseman, Theodore’s importance to the Golden Knights is unequivocal. His speed, coupled with his offensive ability, are what set him apart from other defensemen within the organization.
Theodore was on his way to a career season before the injury, with 18 points in 20 games. He was getting strong consideration for the Norris Trophy, the award given to the best defenseman, at the quarter mark of the season.
“When you put him on the ice, he has a lot of abilities everyone wishes they had,” said defense partner Brayden McNabb. “He’s a special player, and I’ve been fortunate to be with him for the last however long it’s been. Definitely excited to see him come back.”
If Theodore does return on Saturday, barring any injuries between now and then, it will be a rare sight on the blue line. The Golden Knights have only played one game with all six regular defensemen in the lineup this season. It’s a unit that was ravaged by injuries early in the season between Theodore, Zach Whitecloud and Alec Martinez, to name a few.
Theodore could also contribute to an ailing power play that was 1 for 4 in Monday’s 5-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild. The bulk of power-play responsibilities has belonged to Alex Pietrangelo, on top of him playing just under 24 minutes a night and killing penalties. Cassidy has tried Martinez as the lone blue liner on the power play in recent games, but the struggles are still there.
The Golden Knights are 4 of 31 on the man advantage in their last 12 games.
“Missing Shea at the top has led to a little bit of less easier chances because of Shea’s ability to thread the needle up there,” Cassidy said.
Dorofeyev not close
Prior to Monday’s game, rookie forward Pavel Dorofeyev was placed on injured reserve as a result of an elbow to the face from New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba on Jan. 26.
Dorofeyev has missed the last four games with no timetable set for a return.
Cassidy said Dorofeyev, who had skated on the top line with Chandler Stephenson and Mark Stone, has done some skating on his own but is nowhere close to rejoining the team.
Dorofeyev has 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 29 games this season.
“He hasn’t progressed as well as we would’ve liked,” Cassidy said. “We know it was an upper-body hit. I think everyone saw what happened. You’ve got to be very careful and make sure the player is 100% and ready to participate in whatever his step of rehab is, for lack of a better term.”
Danny Webster can be reached at 702-259-8814 or [email protected]. Follow Danny on X at twitter.com/DannyWebster21.
