New York Rangers: Brady Skjei ready to take over if McDonagh is traded

Rumors are circulating that the New York Rangers will be sellers at this year’s trade deadline. If captain, and number one defenseman, Ryan McDonagh is traded, Brady Skjei is more than capable of taking on a bigger role.

A change in guard is imminent for the New York Rangers. Over half a season of underachievement has paved the way for what should be a firesale at the trade deadline. At this point, there are very few players that seem untouchable on the NHL roster.

Among those names mentioned in Larry Brooks’ recent report is Rangers’ captain Ryan McDonagh. It is tough to see his name floated as someone deemed expendable going forward. Throughout the entirety of his tenure as the team’s number one defenseman, he has always been saddled with a subpar defensive partner.

However, if GM Jeff Gorton and his staff decide a team makeover is whats best for the team, McDonagh could net the biggest return of any player on the roster.

In the event that such a blockbuster move take place, the Rangers would turn to a next man up approach. Knowing Alain Vigneault, that would result in a first-pair including veteran Marc Staal. Nonetheless, the most deserving and more rewarding choice would be Brady Skjei.

His time has come

In his second full season at the NHL level, Skjei has taken another step forward. His presence is felt at both ends of the ice. On a nightly basis, the 23-year old Minnesota native is already arguably the team’s best defenseman.

It was clear early on that Skjei was among the smoothest skaters, not just on the Rangers, but in the entire NHL. After some expected rookie hiccups on the defensive end, Skjei has learned how to battle with some of the league’s top competition.

While he may not be replicating his 39-point production from last season, Skjei has flourished with added responsibility. His ice-time is up nearly two and a half minutes. Surprisingly, he has become one of his head coach’s more trusted defenseman, ranking third on the team with 19:57 of average ice-time per game.

After a season and a half at the NHL level Skjei is a bonafide stud and long-term building block. What makes that truth even sweeter is the fact that the Rangers rarely have homegrown talent at this level.

Changing of guard

There are other responsibilities that come with replacing a player like Ryan McDonagh than on-ice production. If he is moved, the Rangers will be losing their captain, and one of their most vocal leaders.

Skjei may not be asked to assume the role of captain, or even assistant captain. However, as a player that made his way through the ranks of the Rangers’ organization, it would be unsurprising to see him slowly assume a place among the team’s leadership core.

Alongside players such as Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, Skjei will form a new culture of New York Rangers hockey. Change always comes with skepticism, no matter how clear the vision for the future is. Under these circumstances, it will be welcomed.

Next: New York Rangers: Quick thoughts on Larry Brooks’ article

At such a young age Brady Skjei is proving that he has a chance to be great in today’s NHL. His experiences will only continue to grow, as will his body of work against elite level competition. There is no reason to believe Brady Skjei cannot be a key piece to help usher the Rangers into their next era.

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