Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) before the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/8350ddcb-6dcd-4a76-bb84-527a0c45f3a1.jpeg] Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) before the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb finished the season with a +/- rating of +42, the second-best in the NHL, earning high praise from HC Bruce Cassidy. "I think Brayden McNabb is one of the most under appreciated defensemen in the league," Cassidy said. [https://x.com/SinBinVegas/status/1913672467413180830] The 34-year-old is known for his defensive acumen, throwing 131 hits this season and blocking 167 shots. His 167 blocked shots ranked first on the Golden Knights and 14th in the NHL. His defensive work is more than enough for Cassidy to feel this way about McNabb, but he's become more than that. His penalty killing work is highlighted by his improved play with the puck. He's cleaner with his breakouts and moves the puck efficiently, and it's why he's worked so well next to Shea Theodore [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/latest-news/breaking-golden-knights-sign-shea-theodore-to-seven-year-extension] or Kaedan Korczak [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/EPkgc3xBdtXpwz0XKCZG?backLinkUrl=%2Fbbs%2Fvegas-golden-knights%2Fsearch%2Fposts%3Fq%3Dshea%2520theodore%26sortBy%3DpublishTime%26range%3DallTime&backLinkLabel=Back%20to%20search%20results]. In addition to his puck-moving, the 2024-25 campaign saw McNabb equal his career-high in goals (5) and record the third-highest point total of his career (20). He also averaged the second-most ice time of his career, 20:07, and recorded over 20 minutes for the third time in his career. Earlier this season, the Davidson, SK, native signed a three-year contract extension [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/tempest-thn-golden-knights-ci02eca53fe00027e9?backLinkUrl=%2Fbbs%2Fvegas-golden-knights%2Fsearch%2Fposts%3Fq%3Dbrayden%2520mcnabb%26domainName%3Dthehockeynews.com%26sortBy%3DpublishTime%26range%3DallTime&backLinkLabel=Back%20to%20search%20results], which will keep him with the Golden Knights until he is 37 years old. His 6'4 frame and hockey IQ should help him stay in top form despite being considered one of the slowest skaters in the NHL. Since he arrived in Vegas, McNabb has been a safety blanket for each coach, and he'll continue to be vital to the team's defensive success. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwiNvfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to never miss a story. Golden Knights Sticking With Lines That Have Worked [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/e5260c60-964f-4f4e-8f94-02b74493b149.jpeg] Golden Knights Sticking With Lines That Have Worked The Vegas Golden Knights flamed out in the first round of the playoffs last year to the <a href="http://thn.com/dallas">Dallas Stars</a> in large part due to HC Bruce Cassidy’s inability to find the best lines. The blame can’t all be put on him as the Golden Knights were ravaged with injuries and did not have enough time to build chemistry among linemates. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/players/golden-knights-sticking-with-lines-that-have-worked] Storylines Abound When In Opening Round Series Between Golden Knights And Wild, Including Several Head-To-Head Matchups [https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/c8046f00-0bea-42f7-9c3c-31beca1b398c/thumbnail] Storylines Abound When In Opening Round Series Between Golden Knights And Wild, Including Several Head-To-Head Matchups LAS VEGAS -- There are storylines aplenty across every NHL Playoff series, and will be as we get closer to the Stanley Cup Final. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/latest-news/storylines-abound-when-in-opening-round-series-between-golden-knights-and-wild-including-several-head-to-head-matchups]
