Brayden McNabb was one of many Vegas Golden Knights players to receive a contract extension in 2024-25. The Original Misfit brought a defensive-minded game with some puck-moving tendencies, making him an underappreciated part of the Golden Knights.
Lo and behold, he gets a three-year deal worth $3.65 million AAV, extending his Las Vegas residency a little longer. That's good for him and the fanbase, considering how they're attached to everything Misfit-related.
It's easy to see why fans would be attached to the 34-year-old. He's proven himself to be a steady force defensively, blocking shots and bringing a dash of physicality. He's registered 1,274 blocked shots and 1,359 hits throughout his eight-year Las Vegas residency, making him one of the most influential players in franchise history.
On top of that, McNabb has done an excellent job in other defensive aspects. For example, he takes away shooting and passing lanes as a blue liner. He's also great at maneuvering opponents away from their comfort spots, including taking Leon Draisaitl's middle-of-the-ice spot away.
Next season, fans are hoping for more of the same from their beloved Misfit. But what can fans expect as the defenseman's career startings winding down? Will he bring his usual brand of underappreciated hockey to Las Vegas? Or will fans see a different style from the 34-year-old?
What Vegas Golden Knights fans can expect from Brayden McNabb in 2025-26?
One thing that stands out in the past three seasons has been Brayden McNabb's consistency. He hasn't missed a single regular season game and has been on the ice for the Golden Knights regularly. Part of that has been McNabb's tenacity and grit, as proven by his Stanley Cup performance last season.
Fans can expect that same tenacity in 2025-26, where the defenseman will do whatever it takes to help his team. Fans might miss Alex Pietrangelo's grittiness and willingness to not give up on a play. However, McNabb brings a similar style, playing all 200 feet of the ice whenever he can.
One underrated aspect that fans might not notice is how much he contributes offensively. The past four seasons have seen McNabb tally double-digit assist totals. Last season, he scored 15 assists with the Golden Knights, proving he can be a reliable puck-moving defenseman.
He's also done more in the shot-taking department, bumping up his total from 86 to 97 last season. The Original Misfit can move past 100 for the season if current trends hold. That'll be something for fans to watch as 2025-26 looms.
McNabb will be one crucial Golden Knights star that fans won't be thinking about
Heading into the 2025-26 season, the blue line will look vastly different. Alex Pietrangelo and Nicolas Hague won't be around, meaning the unit loses plenty of size. That means the group must rely on finesse and skating ability to hold its own.
However, McNabb still provides these attributes, standing at 6'4". The Misfit does plenty of shot-blocking and checking that Pietrangelo did as a Golden Knights defenseman. He also takes away space and can move guys away similar to what Hague did.
If the Golden Knights blue line wants to succeed, they must adapt to these changes. But they must also rely on McNabb to carry said size into the fold next season. Without his size, how will Vegas defend the opposition in its traditional fashion?
That's part of why he was brought back on a three-year deal. Sometimes, it's better to go with the devil you know than the devil you don't. That applies here with the Misfit, who's done a great job adapting throughout his NHL career. It could also be the reason why Vegas goes on a deep Stanley Cup playoff run come Spring time.