Brayden McNabb facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brayden McNabb
McNabb with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2018
Born	(1991-01-21) January 21, 1991 (age 34) Davidson, Saskatchewan, Canada
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight	212 lb (96 kg; 15 st 2 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Left
NHL team Former teams	Vegas Golden Knights Buffalo Sabres Los Angeles Kings
NHL Draft	66th overall, 2009 Buffalo Sabres
Playing career	2011–present

Brayden Luke McNabb was born on January 21, 1991. He is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He plays as a defenceman for the Vegas Golden Knights in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Buffalo Sabres first chose him in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He also played for the Sabres and the Los Angeles Kings. Brayden McNabb helped the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup in 2023.

Playing Career

Junior Hockey Years

Brayden McNabb started his junior hockey career with the Kootenay Ice. He was picked in the second round of the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft. He played his first games with the team during the 2006–07 season.

In the 2007–08 season, he played in 65 games. He showed his skills as a strong defensive player. The next season, 2008–09, he scored 10 goals and 26 assists. He also spent 140 minutes in the penalty box, showing his tough style of play.

McNabb played in the CHL Top Prospects Game in 2009. He also won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2008 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. On June 26, 2009, the Buffalo Sabres drafted him. He was the captain of the Kootenay Ice from 2010–11. He led them to the 2011 Memorial Cup.

Professional Hockey Years

Buffalo Sabres

McNabb at the 2013 AHL All-Star Skills Competition.

Brayden McNabb signed his first professional contract with the Buffalo Sabres in May 2011. He started playing for their minor league team, the Rochester Americans, in the American Hockey League (AHL). On November 26, 2011, he was called up to play for the Sabres. He scored his first NHL goal on December 26, 2011.

He played several games in the NHL before getting a concussion in January. After he recovered, he returned to the AHL. He later rejoined the Sabres in March. By the end of the season, he was one of six players to score their first NHL goal for the Sabres that year.

In the 2012–13 season, McNabb continued to play for the Rochester Americans. He improved his offensive skills, getting 3 goals and 18 assists in 39 games. He was chosen to play in the 2013 AHL All-Star Classic. He set new personal bests in goals, assists, and points that season.

For the 2013–14 season, McNabb aimed to make the Sabres' main team. He started in the AHL again but was called up to the NHL in November. He played alongside Jamie McBain in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Los Angeles Kings

McNabb playing for the Los Angeles Kings in 2016.

On March 5, 2014, McNabb was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. He finished the 2013–14 season with the Kings' AHL team, the Manchester Monarchs. He then signed a two-year contract with the Kings.

The 2014–15 season was McNabb's first full year in the NHL. He played as a two-way defenceman, focusing on defense first. In March 2015, he had a great game against the Colorado Avalanche, scoring one goal and two assists. He ended his first full NHL season with a personal best of 24 points in 71 games.

McNabb continued to play for the Kings in the 2015–16 season. He signed another two-year contract with them in June 2016. He broke his collarbone in October 2016 and missed almost two months. When he returned, he played his 200th NHL game on January 4, 2017.

Vegas Golden Knights

On June 21, 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights picked Brayden McNabb in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft. He chose to wear jersey number 3. By November, he had two assists and 19 penalty minutes in 20 games. He was known for his physical play, with many hits and blocked shots. Because of his strong play, the Golden Knights signed him to a four-year, $10 million contract extension.

McNabb missed three games due to an injury but returned in February. He continued his physical style of play. On March 4, he made a career-high 11 hits in one game. He finished his first season with the Knights with a personal best of five goals in 76 games.

McNabb during a game against the Washington Capitals in 2018.

The Golden Knights made it to the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs. They played against McNabb's old team, the Los Angeles Kings. In Game 4, McNabb scored the only goal, helping the Golden Knights win the series in a sweep. This made them the first NHL team to sweep a playoff series in their first season. They then beat the San Jose Sharks and the Winnipeg Jets to reach the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals. They lost to the Washington Capitals in the finals.

For the 2018–19 season, McNabb played with Colin Miller at the start. Later, he reunited with his usual partner, Nate Schmidt. The Knights made the playoffs again but lost to the Sharks in seven games. On January 30, 2022, the Golden Knights signed McNabb to another three-year contract extension.

By the 2022–23 season, McNabb was one of only six original Golden Knights players still on the team. The team reached the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals again. They won the Stanley Cup by beating the Florida Panthers in five games. McNabb and four other original Golden Knights players started the final game.

On November 15, 2024, McNabb signed another three-year contract extension with the Golden Knights. This means he will stay with the team until the 2027–28 season.

International Play

McNabb first played for Canada West at the World U17 Hockey Challenge in 2008. He won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2008 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. He also played for Team Canada at the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championships.

Personal Life

Brayden McNabb has a younger brother named Dean. Dean also plays hockey. He played for teams like the Victoria Royals and Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2008	Canada Western	U17			6	0	0	0	4
2008	Canada	IH18			4	0	0	0	2
2009	Canada	U18	4th		6	0	0	0	2
Junior totals					16	0	0	0	8

Awards and Honours