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13 February 2025

Shea Theodore Out For Four Nations Face-Off Due To Injury

Team Canada loses star defenseman after hard hit from Sweden's Adrian Kempe early in tournament opener.

Shea Theodore, the talented defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights and Team Canada, is out for the remainder of the Four Nations Face-Off following a wrist injury sustained during the tournament opener against Sweden. The unfortunate incident occurred shortly after Theodore had taken the ice, leaving fans and teammates disheartened.

During Canada’s thrilling 4-3 overtime victory on February 13, 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Theodore was injured when he received a hit from Sweden’s Adrian Kempe, crashing hard against the boards. Theodore showed immediate signs of distress, wincing as he skated off the ice. According to Canada Head Coach Jon Cooper, it is “a tough one to swallow.”

The 29-year-old defenseman logged just 6:59 of ice time before being forced to leave, with Cooper noting the impact of losing such a key player early on. "What a kid, and he only got to play six minutes," Cooper remarked, speaking to Theodore’s importance to the team. "It’s heartbreaking for the kid. And he was the first one there at the door high-fiving everybody when we came off."

Following the hit, Theodore was immediately evaluated by medical staff, who decided to take X-rays to assess the damage to his wrist. The results confirmed he would be sidelined for the remainder of the tournament, which runs through February 20. While Cooper did not disclose the specific details of the injury, he called it “a big blow” for Canada, which is already facing depth challenges on the blue line.

The aftermath of Theodore’s injury leaves Canada operating with just five defensemen for the rest of the tournament. Philadelphia’s Travis Sanheim, who was scratched for the initial game, will step up to fill Theodore’s void. This means Canada will have to cope without Theodore’s elite skill, as any additional injuries could complicate matters even more. Tournament rules stipulate teams cannot add players to their roster once the puck drops, creating significant challenges for Canada moving forward.

Theodore's absence was particularly felt as the game progressed. Teammate Cale Makar ended up skating over 28 minutes, and Devon Toews logged just under 26 minutes, showcasing the heavy workload imposed by the injury. "It’s really tough to see Shea go down like this, but it happened and sometimes things happen like this, and it’s how you handle it," remarked Team Canada goaltender Jordan Binnington, emphasizing the resilience required of the squad.

Before the injury, Theodore was enjoying a stellar career season, gathering 48 points through 55 games for the Golden Knights, including seven goals and 41 assists. His importance to the team has never been greater, as his defensive capabilities paired with his offensive contribution make him invaluable. Theodore is known for his ability to transform games with his play style, recording 41 assists throughout the current NHL season alone and being integral to Vegas's strategy.

The injury not only disappoints the Canadian team but poses potential concerns for Theodore’s future availability. With the NHL regular season on the horizon, questions loom about how much time he’ll miss once the tournament concludes and when he might rejoin the Golden Knights. The extent of the wrist injury remains unconfirmed, and the Golden Knights state he is currently week to week.

Sanheim, stepping up to replace Theodore, joins the squad at a pivotal moment. Each team has brought only seven defensemen to the tournament, making Theodore’s injury more consequential. Coach Cooper made it clear; they cannot afford any more injuries. Unlike regular season play, where teams can simply call up reinforcements, Canada must navigate the tournament with diminished resources until the situation changes.

Fans and teammates alike are rallying behind Theodore as they hope for swift recovery. His contributions were felt even though his game time was cut short, with the squad rallying to secure the win against Sweden. The forwards managed to supply the firepower needed, with Nathan MacKinnon, Brad Marchand, and Mitch Marner all contributing key plays. Canada outshot Sweden 28-26, showcasing their ability to compete fiercely even without Theodore.

The entire incident not only highlights the physicality and risks associated with high-stakes competitions like the Four Nations Face-Off but also adds to the story of competition and resilience demanded of the national team. Team Canada will strive to fill the gap with Sanheim and maintain their momentum moving forward, aiming for tournament victory for Theodore and their collective pride.