Golden Knіgһtѕ return to plаy wіtһout top defenѕemаn Sһeа Tһeodore

The 4 Nations Face-Off has been more of a detriment than a benefit for the Vegas Golden Knights.

After Alex Pietrangelo (Canada) and William Karlsson (Sweden) both withdrew from the tournament due to injuries, defenseman Shea Theodore is week-to-week with an arm injury suffered while playing with Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

He was injured on Feb. 12 in Canada's game against Sweden. Early in the second period, Adrian Kempe collided with Theodore, pushing his right arm into the boards. He made it to the bench and left the game.

"I felt terrible for him (Theodore)," Golden Knights assistant coach John Stevens said at today’s practice. "He's waited a long time for this opportunity, and he's become one of the premier defensemen in the league. I'm sure if you asked him, he's always had this great desire to represent his country on such a big stage."

According to CBS Sports, Theodore is not expected to return until at least March 2, when the Golden Knights host the New Jersey Devils. Vegas faces a unique challenge as its defensemen have been mostly healthy.

Nicholas Hague has missed the most games, 11, followed by Zach Whitecloud, seven. Those two have been in the third pairing, but one will need to move up to replace one of the Golden Knights' top defenders.

The first pairing of Pietrangelo and Noah Hanifin likely will stay the same. Whitecloud will likely move up with Brayden McNabb. Kaedan Korczak or Ben Hutton will likely fill in on the third pairing with Hague.

The Golden Knights coaching staff is confident they can fill Theodore's gap while he's out because they have carried eight defensemen all year.

Korczak and Ben Hutton have not played in every game but have been with the team throughout the season in case Bruce Cassidy wants to mix the pairings up or needs to go to them.

"It's been kind of unfortunate as a coach because you have to tell two guys they can't play," Stevens said. "I can tell you firsthand that Kaedan Korczak and Ben Hutton have been unbelievable in terms of attitude, work ethic and trying to stay ready, so we have the full confidence that those guys can step in and help us."

Korczak has played in 18 games this season, recording three assists. Hutton has played five games and has not made an appearance with the Golden Knights since Nov. 17.

Pietrangelo did not miss a game after announcing his withdrawal from the tournament, despite missing the 4 Nations Face-Off. He skated at the Golden Knights practice today.

Victor Olofsson and Tanner Pearson, who were both dealing with minor injuries before the break, skated at today’s practice. William Karlsson, who has now been out for a month, was not present at practice.

The Golden Knights started practicing today, despite the 4 Nations Tournament concluding on Thursday. Jack Eichel, Noah Hanifin, Mark Stone and Adin Hill are still competing in the tournament.

Vegas returns to the ice on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks at 7 p.m. at T-Mobile Arena.