Shea Theodore looks primed to hit free agency next season, according to Ryan Dixon of Sportsnet.

The talented defenseman, who has been a key player for the Vegas Golden Knights, has faced injury setbacks, playing only 47 games this past season and 55 the year before.

Despite this, Theodore has consistently demonstrated his value as a top-tier defenseman, even flirting with Norris Trophy contention in the past. His significant playoff experience further enhances his profile, making him an attractive option for many teams.

Over his seven seasons in Vegas, Theodore has recorded 66 goals, 289 total points, a +67 plus/minus rating, 534 blocked shots, and 160 hits across 444 games played.

The Golden Knights, perpetually navigating tight salary cap constraints, have already shown a willingness to let key players depart, such as Chandler Stephenson and Jonathan Marchessault. With the recent signing of Noah Hanifin to an eight-year deal worth $7.4 million annually and Alex Pietrangelo’s significant cap hit, Vegas’s financial flexibility is limited.

This financial landscape makes it increasingly unlikely that the team will be able to retain another high-priced defenseman like Theodore, who turns 29 in August, as noted by Dixon.

Given these circumstances, Theodore seems destined to explore free agency next summer. His combination of skill, experience, and playoff performance is expected to attract significant interest from teams looking to strengthen their blue line.

As he approaches his 29th birthday, Theodore will be one of the most sought-after defensemen on the market, potentially commanding a high-value contract that Vegas may not be able to match.