Golden Knights' ace defenseman out with undisclosed injury concern

The Athletic’s Jesse Granger reported Wednesday that Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury and will not travel with the team on their brief road trip to San Jose. In response to Theodore’s injury, the team announced the recall of defenseman Brayden Pachal from their AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights.

With the playoffs rapidly approaching, Vegas figures to be cautious with Theodore if there is any doubt to his readiness. Playing it slow with his recovery is a calculated risk. While a playoff spot is close to guaranteed for the Golden Knights, the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers are breathing down their neck for first place in the Pacific Division -- the squad's remaining schedule isn’t exactly meaningless.

Theodore holds a slight edge on Alex Pietrangelo for the highest points-per-game average by a Vegas defenseman this year, having recorded 41 points in 54 games while playing over 21 minutes of ice time on average. Theodore remains a dynamic puck-moving defender and an analytical darling, as he has for much of his NHL career.

Ben Hutton is expected to replace Theodore in the lineup while the latter is out of action, with Pachal to serve more as an extra depth piece. The 23-year-old recorded his first two NHL points this season (both assists) during a nine-game stint spanning December and January. This is Pachal's first recall in over two months.