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While he may be only a few years older than the actors on Hanna Montana and has a boyish grin and curly hair generally reserved for the Disney Channel, Rochester Americans defenseman Brayden McNabb has separated himself as the most NHL-ready Buffalo Sabres prospect.
After 20 strong games with the Sabres, the 21-year-old's season was put on hold by a injury. During his time on the sidelines, two of Buffalo's top six defenseman Tyler Myers and Christian Ehrhoff got healthy. Coach Lindy Ruff didn't want him to be the 6th D-man or a healthy scratch, so he was sent down.
“I really like the way our six are playing right now,” Ruff said. “He needs to get quality minutes.”
Before being sent back down to Rochester, Ruff told his prospect what he needed to improve.
“He said come down and work hard,” McNabb said after Friday night's 3-2 loss to Abbotsford. “There's a few things I need to work on. My feet and quick little plays with the puck in the offensive zone especially. That's what I'm going to do, work hard in games and practices and get back as soon as I can.”
In the Amerks' 3-0 win Thursday and Friday night's loss, McNabb was right back to the role he left in December: No. 1 defenseman. Despite the two games being his first since suffering a concussion Jan. 13 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, he Amerks' top D-man played more than 20 minutes each game.
“He hasn't played a few weeks and we throw him out there,” coach Ron Rolston said after Saturday night's loss. “He'll get back where he needs to be. He's a great player. There's phases of tonight's game where you can see how talented he is.”
McNabb's play during his first two games back was a little shaky. Puck handling wasn't up to his usual standard and his passing lacked confidence. The good news was he felt at ease getting hit.
“I just needed to get that first bump out of the way,” McNabb said. “I stopped thinking about it after that. There was no hesitation, I just wanted to play my game.”
He's still growing into his 6-foot-4 fame and he looks so young that no bar in Rochester or Buffalo would serve him, but during his time in Buffalo, McNabb proved he was ready to play every night as a Sabre. The stay-at-home D-man registered 42 hits and 25 blocked shots in his 20 games in Buffalo and still ranks first in takeaways with 15.
Fans and media (and probably the Sabres) were taken by surprise by the ease in which McNabb transitioned into the NHL. He probably wasn't shocked. The former 3rd round pick was a simply dominant player in juniors. In his final season, he scored 72 points in 59 regular season games and 27 more in 24 playoff games. He also amassed 95 penalty minutes.
He didn't have much trouble assimilating into the AHL, either. McNabb was named to the AHL All-Star team, but could not attend due because of his injury.
You can imagine, though, that going from juniors to the AHL to the NHL in one year could be a shell shock, but McNabb said veteran Robyn Regehr helped make the experience much easier.
“He took me under his wing,” he said. “It was really cool to have him around. If I had any questions with hockey or anything he was really good. Anything from even passports or things like that. He's the one to go to.”
There's a very good chance McNabb will be back with the Sabres soon. His promising 20 games and AHL production should give them confidence to move a defenseman at the trade deadline. If he isn't back in Buffalo this season, he will be next year. After that, fans in Rochester probably won't see him again.
Hear the entire interview here:
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- Goalie David Leggio has been flat out outstanding for the Amerks lately. You could argue he's saved their season. During an injury and call-up riddled month, he went 4-3-1 in January with a .934 save percentage. Friday night, he opened February by shutting out Abbotsford. Saturday, he kept Rochester in the game despite being outshot 11-2 to start the game. He allowed three goals, but one of them was on a high stick that was missed by referees.
“As a unit I think we are giving up lower quality chances,” Leggio said. "Playing more, it makes things much easier as a goalie. So, I feel very comfortable. But most importantly I feel very comfortable with the guys. They are doing a great job in front of me."
- Marcus Foligno is becoming more consistent. Earlier in the season, the Amerks' second-leading scorer would play one good game, then one mediocre or bad. Friday night, he was the second star with two assists and a wonderful play short-handed to create a goal. Saturday night, he added another assist, drew a penalty and created several quality chances.
- The Amerks are still missing key parts. Forward Colin Stuart is on his way back after missing much of the season with a knee injury, he could return by the end of the month. Winger Corey Tropp attempted a comeback from his concussion in January, but was not ready. He's skating with the team now with no exact date for a return. And TJ Brennan was in Rochester supporting the team despite being technically on IR with the Sabres. No word on when Brennan could return.