Vegas Golden Knights’ Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore were left off of the NHL Network’s top 20 NHL defensemen list after they both appeared on it prior to the 2023-24 season.
Pietrangelo ranked ninth last year in the NHL Network’s rankings and after a season where he dealt with an illness and only played 64 games. In those 64 games, he scored just four goals and 33 points. His time on ice once again dropped and after Noah Hanifin arrived, Pietrangelo’s responsibilities lessened.
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Speaking of Hanifin, he was the only Golden Knights defenseman to appear on the list after being left off in last year’s iteration. He was named the 18th-best defender in the NHL.
Related: Noah Hanifin Ranked As NHL’s 18th Best Defenseman
Theodore was the other Golden Knights defender to feel the effects of Hanifin’s arrival. He missed 35 games after receiving knee surgery that forced him to play just 47 games and score five goals and 42 points. His points-per-game were the highest of his career but his play after coming back from the injury wasn’t at the same level as before.
He lost his power play time to Hanifin and now has lost his spot as the 20th-best defenseman like he was before the 2023 season.
For Pietrangelo, the biggest reason for why his play has dropped off is due to his age. Now at 34 years old, Pietrangelo is far from being in his prime. For Theodore, seeing his name removed from these rankings will hurt. Still just 29 years old and entering a contract season, Theodore will be hungry to show that he deserves to be paid top dollar.
That hunger may only get him so far with Hanifin on the roster. Hanifin has already gained the trust of HC Bruce Cassidy to play in every scenario and he’s played heavy minutes with multiple teams. Theodore’s offensive dynamic skillset is going to need to shine brightly this season to prove he deserves a big contract and that he deserves a spot in the top 20.
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