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New York Rangers Stock Market: Showing their true colors

By Victoria Ranieri

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 26: Marc Staal #18 of the New York Rangers celebrates his first period goal against the Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden on November 26, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 26: Marc Staal #18 of the New York Rangers celebrates his first period goal against the Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden on November 26, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 23: Henrik Lundqvist #30, Brady Skjei #76 and Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers battle to defend their open net against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 23, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 23: Henrik Lundqvist #30, Brady Skjei #76 and Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers battle to defend their open net against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 23, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Down: Brady Skjei

As much as I hate to say it, Brady Skjei has struggled more than anything this season.

The University of Minnesota product showed the ability to succeed at the NHL level in the past but looks outright lost this year. Skjei’s rookie season was about as ideal as possible. He tallied five goals and 34 assists for 39 points in 80 games. His stellar rookie performance drew comparisons to Brian Leetch, a high compliment for the young defenseman.

His sophomore season was less than stellar. He recorded four goals and 21 assists for 25 points in 82 games. However, much was forgiven due to the team moving him to the first defensive pair following the Ryan McDonagh trade. After all, players need time to learn new roles.

Offensively, Skjei hasn’t been that bad this season. Two goals and four assists for eight points in 25 games aren’t bad for a defenseman. The most important aspect of his game, his defense, took the biggest hit this far.

Whether it be due to lack of chemistry with linemates or adjusting to a new coaching system, Skjei has struggled. His defensive plays have been downright awful and his positioning has been questionable.

However, I am still a firm believer that Skjei can turn it around. Skjei’s rookie season was too good to have just been a flash in the pan. Hopefully, Skjei will be able to adjust to this new system and return to the player who was compared to one of the greatest Rangers of all time.

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