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Edit: Drafted 26th Overall by the Anaheim Ducks.
Like our #32 prospect, Morgan Klimchuk, Shea Theodore spent this season playing on a rebuilding WHL Club. His Seattle Thunderbirds did sneak into the playoffs, and even opened up a 3-0 series lead on the heavily favored Kelowna Rockets. However the clock struck midnight and a cinderella run was not to be, as the Rockets won 4 straight games to take the series in 7.
Theodore has been a key member of the Thunderbirds, logging huge minutes and being one of the team’s key offensive weapons, even as a defenceman.
Theodore won a pair of gold medals in international competition this year, playing key a role on Team Canada’s blue line at both the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, and at the 2013 IIHF Under 18 World Championships. He also played on the 2012 Canada Pacific team at the World Under 17 Challenge. In 2011 he was a member of Team BC for the Canada Winter Games (U16) hockey tournament and won a gold medal.
Defense
Born Aug 3 1995 — Aldergrove, BC
Height 6.02 — Weight 175 — Shoots Left
Theodore’s skating is at an elite level and defines his game. He has excellent speed and acceleration, and this allows him to lead the rush, or to join as a trailer and then get back to the defensive responsibilities in his own end. He has great agility, and good edgework, and pivots which really allows him to cover a lot of ice. He could stand to improve his balance and strength though as he can sometimes get knocked off the puck, or pushed around in board battles.
Theodore is developing into an excellent offensive producer. In addition to his skating ability, he has great stickhandling and excellent poise. Couple this with very good vision and passing abilities and Theodore is a key playmaker. He can set up teammates both off the rush, and when quarterbacking the powerplay. On top of it all Theodore has developped an excellent slap shot and one timer this year, and has used it to score 19 goals.
Theodore has plenty of size, but he needs to learn how to use it more effectively in his own end of the rink. He needs to be more assertive in winning board battles and clearing the front of the Seattle net. He has improved this aspect of his game over last year, but there is still some more room for improvement and bulking up and adding some more muscle to his frame would certainly help. He has a tendency to be a bit of a gambler offensively as well which can get him caught at the defensive end of the ice.
Theodore’s style is reminiscent of Mike Green of the Washington Capitals. This is a stylistic comparison only. In terms of potential he can become a top notch offensive defenceman in the NHL, quarterbacking the powerplay and adding to his team’s offence, however his defensive deficiency likely mean he is going to have the ceiling of a 2nd pairing defender at even strength.
Thanks for Reading, and Check back tomorrow where we will reveal the number 34 prospect for this June’s NHL Draft.
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