Centre Peter McNab was blessed with quick hands and a natural feel for the game, which enabled him to play over 950 NHL games during the 1970s and '80s. A consistent producer, the 6'3" centre reached the 20-goal mark ten times in an exemplary career.
Born in Vancouver, B.C., the son of Max McNab was chosen 85th overall by the Buffalo Sabres after three fine years at the University of Denver. He recorded a pair of 20-goal seasons for the club and helped them reach the Stanley Cup finals in 1975. Prior to the 1976-77 season, he was sent to the Boston Bruins as compensation for the Sabres' signing of free agent Andre Savard.
McNab enjoyed nearly nine full years in Beantown. He hit the 40-goal mark twice and was a key figure on the power play. His ability to hold his position in the slot and score his share of "garbage" goals was similar to former Bruins star Phil Esposito. During the late '70s, he formed an excellent forward unit with Terry O'Reilly and Rick Middleton and helped Boston reach the finals in 1977 and 1978.
Late in the 1983-84 season, McNab was sent to the Vancouver Canucks for grinding forward Jim Nill. He scored 23 goals in 1984-85 while forming a solid line with Cam Neely and Moe Lemay. Prior to the 1985-86 season, McNab was signed as a free agent by the New Jersey Devils. He scored 19 goals that year then played for the U.S. at the World Championships. The veteran pivot retired in 1987 after playing 46 games for the Devils.
