The big story this week is the surprise 20-game suspension of Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt. One player that’ll need to step up in Schmidt’s absence is linemate Brayden McNabb.
“We knew we were contenders. We knew we could possibly go far in the playoffs and even win. We believe in that room and it’s contagious.” -Brayden McNabb
What We Know About Brayden McNabb
- Selected 66th overall (BUF) in 2009 Draft
- Left-handed Defenseman
- Previously played for BUF, LAK
- VGK Stats: 76 Games Played, 5 Goals, 10 Assists, 15 Points, Average Time On Ice (20:09), +26, 225 Hits, 176 Blocked Shots
- 2017-18 Career Highs: ATOI (20:09), Goals (5), +26, Takeaways (30), Hits (225), Blocked Shots (176)
- McNabb turned into a defensive rock for Vegas, and proved he could successfully play top minutes. To begin the season, the 6’4” defenseman was playing 16-18 minutes a night. By the end of the season, he averaged over twenty minutes per game and was sixth on the team with 1532 total ice time. In the postseason, McNabb had five points and the first-round series-clinching goal against his former team.
What We May Not Know About Brayden McNabb
- Born January, 21st 1991 in Davidson, Saskatchewan
- CHL 2009 Top Prospect Game
- WHL First All-Star Team 2010, 2011
- AHL All-Star 2013, 2014
- Played with three teams in 2013-14 (Buffalo Sabres, Rochester Americans, Manchester Monarchs)
- Traded to Los Angeles for two prospects
- One of Vegas’ top golfer
“I played with James Neal… he shot a 73 or a 74. I think the most consistent is Haula.” – Brayden McNabb on Sirius PGA radio with Fred Couples
For the Golden Knights to begin the season strong, McNabb will have to play heavy minutes and shutdown the league’s best. Without their top defenseman for an extended time, the coaching staff will rely on McNabb to back up and break out in Schmidt’s absence. If Vegas remains in the thick of things after the first quarter of the season, the reliable #3 will be one of the reasons. McNabb’s contributions defensively are important to the overall success of the 2018-19 Golden Knights, but even more critical in the first twenty games.
Last season, Attorney Adam Kutner gave away tickets to the Vegas Golden Knights home games, along with Zamboni rides during the intermissions. As an avid hockey fan, Adam Kutner looks to keep the VGK spirit alive by providing weekly news updates about the team’s offseason. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news on our beloved Golden Knights.
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