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Los Angeles Kings’ Brayden McNabb Needs To Step Up In Slava Voynov’s Absence

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By @powerplaywithcj

Getty Images

Getty Images

When the Los Angeles Kings acquired Brayden McNabb from the Buffalo Sabres, they knew they were getting a skilled, physical defenseman who still had some kinks to iron out in his game.

Through six games with the Kings, McNabb has been bringing physicality, but doing so in limited minutes. Now that the team is without Slava Voynov indefinitely, it’s time for the 23-year-old McNabb to step up and fill some of the void left by Voynov’s suspension.

Going back to his days with the WHL’s Kootenay Ice, the 6-foot-5 McNabb has been a classic all-around defenseman as he is able to contribute in all facets of the game.  Having said that, his physicality and ability to relentlessly punish opponents have always been the calling card to his game. While some of his hits have bordered on dirty in the past, McNabb seems to have reeled it in and shows signs of maturity and understanding of the game.

It’s obvious that Voynov and McNabb are two totally different players. For starters, Voynov shoots right-handed and is better suited to play that side of the ice, while the lefty McNabb is better on his own strong side. McNabb’s size and physicality are lacking in Voynov’s game, and Voynov’s offense has yet to rival McNabb’s at the pro level.

In order for McNabb to help the Kings, he’ll need to continue playing his game without trying to do too much. He won’t magically transform into Voynov, but that’s fine as long as  he plays his steady game, uses his size effectively and chips in offensively when he can.

Replacing Voynov’s ice time and productivity will take the entire blue line buying in and stepping up. If McNabb is able to take advantage of this opportunity, both he and the Kings will benefit greatly in the long and short terms.

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