Hard-hitting McNabb quietly does his job for the Golden Knights | The Canadian News

Vegas Golden Knights fans should be thankful that defender Brayden McNabb can handle a roller hockey stick.

The 30-year-old from Saskatchewan, home to nearly half of Canada’s agricultural production, grew up right in the middle of farmland with houses dotted here and there and could easily be wielding a hoe in cowboy boots.

“It’s a different lifestyle,” said McNabb of Davidson, Sask., Population maybe a little over 1,000. “I am very fortunate to grow up with that, it gives you a lot of character. I had a great education with my parents, so I have been very lucky ”.

With that upbringing came an appreciation for work ethic, discipline and an understanding of what he can and cannot control, all attributes that have led to a respectable nine-year NHL career.

An original member of the Golden Knights, McNabb has been a constant contributor as he quietly takes a back seat in the headlines of big-name blueliners like Alex Pietrangelo and Alec Martinez, who have three Stanley Cup rings between them, and the star in rise of defense Shea Theodore. .

“He brings some things to the table that no one else does there,” coach Peter DeBoer said. “That physique, that element of intimidation that he has… brings a good combination of that to the group because we have a skating group set up with some of those guys.

“He has an underrated hockey sense and takes offense at it and he’s a solid professional. Much of our team ”.

Great, like the successes it has given over the years.

McNabb was already physical during his time with his previous team, the LA Kings, but with the increase in minutes since the Golden Knights took him in the expansion draft, there was a spike in numbers, including some heartbreaking punches that have ignited T -Mobile Arena.

Like on November 9, when he hit Seattle’s Brandon Tanev so hard they were both lifted off the ice.

Or on November 11, when he gave the Knights a boost after putting his shoulder on Minnesota’s Rem Pitlick.

And on November 13, when he sent the crowd into a frenzy after leveling off Vancouver’s Vasily Podkolzin.

“He puts his body on the line every night for us,” forward Jonathan Marchessault said. “It’s been a game changer for us when we need a big shot, a big play, he’s always there. I think he does his job in an amazing way. “

Since entering the league with the Buffalo Sabers in 2011, McNabb is ranked 15th among defenders with 1,330 hits. Since joining the Golden Knights, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound player ranks sixth among the Blueliners with 765 hits after leading the team with five during Thursday’s 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. .

“You want to be difficult to play, you want to be tough on the best players, you want it to be uncomfortable for them and that’s what I try to do,” said McNabb, who leads the team in blocked shots (42) and is second in hits (41).

This year, McNabb is on track to set his career highs in goals, points and blocked shots, while it remains possible that he can do the same with assists and punches.

“He’s doing everything he can to help the team win,” captain Mark Stone said. “I think that is one of the highest compliments a player can be given. He does things other guys don’t do to help us win. “

The only remaining question with McNabb is whether he survives another offseason, or trade deadline, with the team.

McNabb will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. His $ 2.5 million annual salary could be needed when the recent acquisition of Jack Eichel recovers from neck surgery, or it could be used next summer, as the Golden Knights have always been active during the offseason.

McNabb, newly married, said he would love nothing more than to continue his career with the Golden Knights.

“I control what I can control, my effort and attitude and that’s what I’m going to do. From now on he is home and I plan to get home even if I am not back. We love the community, we love the city, and we hope to be here for a long time. It means a lot to be here from the first year and to be part of this organization, ”said McNabb.

“I love doing what I do and helping the team win with my style of play. My ultimate goal is to be here and win here and I hope to achieve it. “