The Vegas Golden Knights have solidified their defensive core by signing veteran blueliner Brayden McNabb to a substantial three-year, $10.95 million contract extension. The deal, which carries an annual average value of $3.65 million, will keep the 33-year-old McNabb in Vegas through the 2027-28 season.
As one of the original “misfits” selected by the Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft, McNabb has been a key contributor to the team’s success since its inception. He played a pivotal role in helping the franchise reach the Stanley Cup Final in its inaugural season and was part of the team that ultimately won the championship in 2023.
A Franchise Leader On and Off the Ice
Over his tenure with the Golden Knights, McNabb has established himself as a franchise leader in several categories:
- Games Played: 518
- Hits: 1,256
- Blocked Shots: 1,144
- Total Minutes: 10,205
His physical presence, defensive prowess, and durability have made him an indispensable part of the team’s blue line. Off the ice, McNabb is known for his leadership qualities and has been a mentor to the team’s younger defensemen.
Committing to the Future
This contract marks the third extension McNabb has signed with the Golden Knights, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to retaining its core players. The deal provides a significant raise from his previous $2.85 million annual salary and would have seen him become an unrestricted free agent next summer had an extension not been reached.
By locking in McNabb, the Golden Knights have ensured stability on defense for the foreseeable future. The team now has several key defensemen signed to long-term deals:
| Player | Annual Cap Hit | Contract Expiry |
| Alex Pietrangelo | $8.8 million | 2027 |
| Shea Theodore | $7.425 million | 2032 |
| Noah Hanifin | $7.35 million | 2032 |
| Zach Whitecloud | $2.75 million | 2028 |
A Seasoned Veteran
Before joining the Golden Knights, McNabb spent parts of five seasons with the Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Kings. In 16 games this season, the reliable defenseman has contributed two points while averaging 19:23 of ice time per night.
As the Golden Knights aim to remain competitive in the tough Western Conference, having experienced players like McNabb locked up long-term provides a solid foundation upon which to build. With his contract situation resolved, McNabb can focus on continuing to be a steadying presence on the back end and helping guide the team to future success.
The road ahead may be challenging, but with Brayden McNabb committed to the cause for the next several years, the Golden Knights are well-positioned to maintain their status as one of the NHL’s top teams.
