Brayden McNabb


Brayden Luke McNabb is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League. He was originally selected 66th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing career

Junior

McNabb was selected in the second round, 37th overall, of the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft. He debuted with the Kootenay Ice during their last three games of the 2006–07 season.
In the 2007–08 season, he appeared in 65 games, recording 2 goals and 9 assists for 11 points. Additionally, he had one assist in 10 playoff games for the Ice.
In the 2008–09 season, McNabb played in the style of a defensive-focused defenceman, and his numbers reflected it. In 67 games played, he had 10 goals and 26 assists for 36 points, and also accumulated 140 penalty minutes. He also contributed in the playoffs yet again with five assists in four games. In that season, he played in the CHL Top Prospects Game for Team Orr, adding three assists for the squad and going +3 while doing so. He was also a member of Team Canada for the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championships., and the 2008 Ivan Hlinka Memorial, in which he and his team received a gold medal.
On June 26, 2009, McNabb was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres. He attended Athol Murray College of Notre Dame, a prep school in Wilcox, Saskatchewan, where he played alongside former Buffalo Sabre Tyler Myers, also a defenceman.
McNabb was the Kootenay Ice captain from 2010–11. He helped lead them to the 2011 Memorial Cup against Owen Sound, where he was suspended one game for elbowing Joey Hishon.

Professional

Buffalo Sabres

On May 18, 2011, McNabb was signed by Buffalo to a three-year, entry-level contract. He was invited to the Sabres training camp prior to the 2011-12 season.
On November 26, 2011, the Sabres recalled McNabb from their American Hockey League, the Rochester Americans. He scored his first NHL goal on December 26, 2011, against Tomáš Vokoun of the Washington Capitals. During a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 13, McNabb suffered a concussion and missed eight games to recover.
As a member of the Rochester Americans, McNabb was twice selected for the AHL All-Star Classic, in 2013 and 2014.

Los Angeles Kings

On March 5, 2014, McNabb were traded to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for right winger Hudson Fasching and left winger Nicolas Deslauriers. At the end of the 2013–14 season, McNabb became a restricted free agent and was re-signed by the Kings to a two-year contract. On June 4, 2016, McNabb signed a new two-year contract with the Kings.

Vegas Golden Knights

On June 21, 2017, having been left exposed by the Kings at the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft, McNabb was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights. He became the first player to wear a Golden Knights jersey at the NHL awards show.
On November 29, 2017, the Golden Knights signed McNabb to a four-year, $10 million contract extension worth $2.5 million annually.

International play

McNabb first played at the junior international stage with Canada West at the World U17 Hockey Challenge in 2008. He won a gold medal with Team Canada at 2008 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, and later earned a roster spot for the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championships.
McNabb was invited to take part in Canada's 2011 National Junior Team selection camp, however he failed to make the final roster.

Personal life

McNabb's younger brother Dean also plays hockey. He plays for the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Awards and honours