Is it feasible for Shea Theodore and Noah Hanifin to thrive together on the Golden Knights’ roster?
Shea Theodore and Noah Hanifin share similar play styles as left-handed, puck-moving defensemen who can handle substantial ice time. The question arises whether they can effectively play together on the same defensive unit.
We caught a glimpse of their potential synergy towards the end of the regular season and in the first round against the Dallas Stars. However, Theodore was recovering from surgery during this period, and Hanifin was adjusting to a new team, making it challenging to fully assess their compatibility.
Bruce Cassidy, head coach, showed increasing confidence in Hanifin by entrusting him with more minutes and a role in quarterbacking the power play—a role Theodore had excelled in with the Golden Knights. This trust was underscored by Hanifin’s recent eight-year, $7.35 million annual average value contract extension with the team.
Despite their stylistic similarities, Theodore and Hanifin differ in certain aspects of their game. Theodore is more offensively productive, boasting career highs of 14 goals and 52 points compared to Hanifin’s 10 goals and 48 points. Over their careers, Theodore has accumulated 20 more points and nine more goals in 181 fewer games.
Hanifin compensates with a stronger defensive presence. Standing at 6’3″ with a long reach, he excels in disrupting plays and clearing the front of the net, making him a formidable defender. While Theodore is solid defensively, Hanifin’s defensive prowess was a key factor in his high acquisition and contract retention costs.
Theodore’s contract expiring after the 2024-25 season has sparked discussions about a possible trade, especially considering his projected extension demands of approximately $8.3 million annually over seven years. With significant financial commitments already in place for Hanifin and Alex Pietrangelo ($8.8 million until 2027), managing salary cap concerns becomes crucial for the Golden Knights.
Some insiders suggest that trading Theodore could yield substantial returns rather than risking losing him for free after his contract ends. However, retaining Theodore for the upcoming season could potentially solidify the Golden Knights’ defense as one of the strongest in the NHL, with both Hanifin and Theodore offering considerable advantages on the ice.
General manager Kelly McCrimmon faces a pivotal decision: to bolster immediate Stanley Cup aspirations by keeping Theodore or to explore trade options to extend the team’s competitive window.
