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The Brady Skjei era is about to begin for the New York Rangers. With the team hard against the salary cap and defensemen Keith Yandle and Dan Boyle about to enter free agency, the Rangers must rely on Skjei to play a major role moving forward.
Skjei, 22, appeared in 12 games, seven in the regular season and five in the playoffs, and he impressed many with his ability to skate and move the puck. He recorded two assists in the playoffs and seemed to respond to the increase in responsibility and playing time. Skjei showed he was ready to play a major role moving forward, and the Rangers might have no choice since they most likely won’t be able to afford Yandle and Boyle shouldn’t be brought back even if he wants to continue playing.
The Rangers made Skjei their first-round pick in 2012, and the expectations have been high ever since. The Rangers waited for him to finish college, and he hasn’t disappointed as his talent is just starting to be tapped.
Anyone who watched Skjei this season saw a player who is among the best skaters on the team. He did make mistakes but he also appeared to learn quickly from those miscues, and his best hockey came in the playoffs when he received major ice time due to injuries to Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi.
This past season, the Rangers’ defense was filled with holes and mistakes. How often did Rangers fans watch as a turnover in their own zone was turned into a goal or shot on goal? The answer is too often. The defense in front of Henrik Lundqvist was far too inconsistent, and it was clear the goaltender couldn’t carry the team on his back anymore. The defense needed to step up and it didn’t.
The Rangers’ defensive makeover will begin with giving Skjei a major role on the blueline moving forward. They will have no choice but to give him the minutes, and he’s ready to be a major contributor.
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