Theodore played wonderful hockey in the toughest of NHL competions. Not in one, two or three but in four rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He shone right into the Final. He started last season with the AHL's Chicago Wolves before joining the Golden Knights in late October. Through 61 regular season games last season, he contributed 29 points (6 goals, 23 assists), plus another 10 through 20 playoff games.
Securing a player who is just hitting his high notes for seven years and an average annual value of $5.2 million is an aggressive move which could reap benefits for Vegas for years to come. Deals such as this allow general managers to build contenders and then extend the window of opportunity for several seasons.
It is often said one game of playoff hockey equates to two games of regular season action where growth and development is considered. Theodore played under the hottest lights and rather than melt, his game was forged and tempered.
Vegas gets a 23-year-old defenseman with elite skating ability. The number of blueliners in the NHL who skate at the same level as Theodore is minute. He's rare with the ability to be a one-man breakout. He can make a pass to scuttle a forecheck or use his legs to transport the puck. But he's not just a player who can lug the puck up ice - Theodore has vision and can generate offense. The next step is for Theodore to develop into a consistent points producer.
Vegas GM George McPhee could have taken an easier route and signed Theodore to a short term bridge deal, but cap space is a perishable commodity. By using some available cap space today, McPhee will have cost certainty down the line. It will provide him with flexibility and create room for more elite players.
The deal works for Theodore and will provide him with security. It works for the organization and puts the player at a similar rate as pillars such as William Karlsson, Reilly Smith and Jonathan Marchessault.
Theodore will be a better player this year than he was last year. And that trend will continue. With each passing season, as Theodore improves this deal will benefit the club more and more.
It's the kind of deal which helps build a championship team. It makes the player whole and doesn't hamstring the organization.
Sometimes, both sides get what they need and those are the best deals of all.
