Anaheim Ducks Have Three Prospects in ESPN’s Top Prospects List
By Jason Byun
Sep 22, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Shea Theodore (53) passes the puck in front of Colorado Avalanche left wing Bryan Lerg (20) during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
No. 41: Shea Theodore, D
Shea Theodore was ranked as Pronman’s 41st best skating prospect and his 10th best defense prospect on the list. Pronman praises Theodore’s skating and puck-moving abilities, two strengths that made him the Ducks’ first-round pick in 2013 (26th overall).
"I’ve watched a fair bit of Theodore, and despite scouts praising his tools and him putting up insane numbers in the WHL in previous seasons (including 79 in 70 games last season), I’ve never truly bought in. However, he’s certainly a player who has grown on me. He’s a great skater, who moves the puck effortlessly yet effectively and has grown into his frame. His defense is by no means perfect, but it’s taken notable leaps forward from his draft season of 2013."
Pronman is among many who believes that Theodore still has a bit more developing to do in the defensive aspects of the game before he becomes NHL-ready, but he was impressed with Theodore at the 2015 World Junior Championships, where he stated that the defenseman would have received his vote for the All-Star team.
The two defensemen selected for the WJC All-Star team were Josh Morrissey of Team Canada (Winnipeg Jets) and Gustav Forsling of Team Sweden (Vancouver Canucks).
Theodore currently plays on the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL. He has six goals and 16 points in 14 games. He projects as a power-play quarterback and puck-moving defenseman, similar to a player like Mike Green of the Washington Capitals.
Next: No. 50: Interesting Physical Specimen