Canada already lost one Golden Knights defenseman when Alex Pietrangelo withdrew from the 4 Nations Face-Off. Now, the nation may be down another.
Defenseman Shea Theodore was forced to leave during the second period of the opening matchup between Canada and Sweden. He was on the receiving end of an awkward hit with Sweden’s Adrian Kempe.
Theodore was playing alongside Drew Doughty on Canada’s blue line before the injury, recording 6:31 of ice time.
LIVE: Canada vs. Sweden updates, highlights from 4 Nations Face-Off
The Golden Knights defenseman has 41 assists and 48 points in 55 games for Vegas this season.
Here is the latest on Theodore’s injury.
4 NATIONS FACE-OFF HQ
Shea Theodore injury update
Theodore left the opening game of the 4 Nations Face-Off about two minutes into the second period after a hit from Kempe.
As the Canadian defenseman cleared the puck along the board, he turned to brace for a hit from the Swedish winger. But he appeared to get his right arm/shoulder jammed along the wall when contact was made.
Theodore was seen grabbing at the right side as he made his way off the ice.
Shea Theodore went to the locker room after injuring his hand/wrist bracing for this hit from Kempe#4Nations pic.twitter.com/RVscqvzvjQ
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) February 13, 2025
TNT’s Jackie Redmond reported on the broadcast that Theodore was getting X-rays on his right wrist/hand. It later was reported before the third period started that the defenseman would miss the rest of the game.
Can confirm Shea Theodore got X-Rays during the 2nd period. Update to come… #4Nations
— Jackie Redmond (@Jackie_Redmond) February 13, 2025
Shea Theodore will not return.
Teams cannot add players now. So, if he’s out longer than this game (hopefully not), he cannot be replaced.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 13, 2025
If Theodore is unable to return to the tournament, then Canada is stuck with the defensemen they have. No team can add players once the games begin, leaving Canada with six defenseman. Travis Sanheim did not dress for the matchup against Sweden, but he would draw into the lineup in place of Theodore.
