NHL player injury: Vegas Golden Knights Brayden McNabb Stanley Cup Final status remains unclear after being hospitalized

The Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb's status remains uncertain as he sustained a major injury after being struck in the face by a high-speed puck. He was struck by a puck to the face during the first period in Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final series against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh on Thursday.

Meanwhile, coach John Tortorella had no update on McNabb on Friday, except for the fact that the 35-year-old was traveling home with the team as Game 3 is in Las Vegas. However, the status of his availability in the game remains uncertain.

According to reports, the incident occurred midway through the first period of the match after Hurricanes forward Nikolaj Ehlers fired an 87-mph shot toward the net, and McNabb, stationed near the goaltender Carter Hart, absorbed the puck off the visor area of his helmet. The 35-year-old defenseman immediately fell to the ice before skating off while holding his face and heading directly to the locker room.

Coach John Tortorella has no update about Brayden McNabb's health condition

The Vegas Golden Knights suffered a major injury in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final when veteran defenseman Brayden McNabb was hospitalized after being struck in the face by a high-speed puck. Following the incident, Tortorella did not provide any update on McNabb's injury or health status, except that McNabb was well enough to return to Las Vegas with his teammates.

Addressing the scary situation, forward Brett Howden stated, “It’s a scary play. You never want to see that. Just hope he’s doing all right.” With McNabb sidelined, Vegas was forced to finish the game with five defensemen. His departure increased the pressure on the remaining blueliner, particularly Jeremy Lauzon, who was on the ice for all four Carolina goals.


Speaking about the unfortunate incident, center William Karlsson stated, “He’s been here for a long time and has been vital every year. I think he is extremely good defensively, helps us out in PK situations, and stuff like that. Of course, tough to not have him for the remainder of that game.”

It is to be noted that McNabb was coming off the first three-assist performance of his NHL career in Game 1. He also happens to be one of the original Golden Knights players who have been around for the franchise’s entire nine-year existence and are in the final for a third time.

But, unfortunately, his availability for Game 3 remains in question as Vegas awaits additional medical evaluations and update related to his health.