New York Rangers: Top Players of 2016-17

Brady Skjei

Brady Skjei had a solid 2016-17 for the New York Rangers after appearing in just seven games for the Rangers last year.

For a player who is still so young, Skjei brings an element of size and physicality to the third defensive pair while remaining sound positionally. In addition to this, Skjei also proved that he can play solid hockey from the blueline.

Skjei is similar to McDonagh in many ways. His positioning is solid, he does a good job predicting plays and can get in front of pucks as well as cut off passing lanes. He is also willing to step up on the rush and moves his feet well in transition, which makes him dangerous on the offensive end.

In the playoffs, Skjei and his linemate Brendan Smith both contributed offensively, Skjei with 5 points (four goals, one assist) and Smith with four assists. The pair also led the team in plus/minus (Smith at plus-eight and Skjei at plus-six)

Finding this defensive line pairing was one of the highlights of the 2016-17 Rangers, and they should be a focus in offseason development.

The bottom line is that Skjei has shown that he has potential to become a part of the Rangers’ defensive foundation. He has skill and can step up to serve a variety of roles on the ice, and his development should remain a focus.