Though Brady Skjei is just a few months over 24, a the start of the 2018-19 season, he will be one of the New York Rangers oldest defensemen.
Brady Skjei has now played two full NHL seasons with the Rangers. In his first year, he impressed on both ends of the ice, proving he could play an especially dangerous offensive game.
In his first full season, Skjei recorded five goals and 34 assists for 39 points. These 39 points were the most by a Rangers rookie defenseman since Brian Leetch (71,1988-89). He also tied for fourth among all NHL defensemen in even-strength assists, trailing only Duncan Keith, Erik Karlsson, and Brent Burns.
However, this meant high expectations for Skjei coming 2017-18, which he struggled to live up to over the course of the year. Many of his issues were arguably due to circumstances beyond his control, but it has led many to question if he can handle tougher minutes.
The departure of Ryan McDonagh left a big hole on the New York Rangers defense. As the team looks to establish their core this offseason, we consider if Skjei is ready to take on a larger role.
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All Things Considered
In his short time with the New York Rangers, Skjei has established himself and proven that he can make an impact on both ends of the ice. Barring any crazy offseason pickups of elite NHL defensemen, he is an obvious choice to work on the top pair.
His performance in 2017-18 season, alongside the fact that he would be jumping up to fill McDonagh’s slot on the top pair next season, has led to comparisons and criticism of Skjei.
Focusing on this takes away from what the young defenseman has to offer.
The reality is that we don’t really know where Skjei can go from here.
However, we do know that it is promising.
Skjei was playing in an ineffective system under a coach whose focus was never centered on getting the most out of young talent.
This means that Skjei hasn’t had a real stage to show what he has to offer. He still has the potential to be molded, to learn, to grow, to develop and ultimately find the game that works best for him.
And despite the circumstances that he has played under, he has shown the level of play and potential that he has.
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Skjei has skill but understands how to play responsibly. His game in the defensive zone can use some refinement, but he has a natural ability to play in position and an urge that drives him up on the rush.
Under a new coach, who has explicitly stated that he wants to focus on creating opportunity out of the defensive zone, Skjei will be allowed to play his game.
The only way to get the most out of him is to give him a chance to do it where it matters most.
The Bottom Line
Sure — Brady Skjei probably won’t become Ryan McDonagh.
But that’s okay!
Brady Skjei deserves the opportunity to become Brady Skjei.
And there’s no better place for him to do that than in New York.
Skjei is still so young. The Rangers’ new head coach, David Quinn, has put emphasis on wanting to provide his players with a safe space to learn and become better as a result. This is a perfect scenario for Skjei.
Obviously by putting him on the top pairing, you’re putting him up against the best players in the league. Skjei will make some mistakes.
But with the potential he has shown, the opportunity to find his game in such an important role will make him a better hockey player, and even more essential on the roster.
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With where the team is currently, and with how Skjei has played in the past, there is no doubt he is ready to play as a part of the New York Rangers top pair.