LD Brady Skjei (2012, 28th, NYR)
- Thread starter JawandaPuck
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Jaykay
Registered User
He's not as physical as McDonagh but I don't think that comparison is too far off.
I think he's probably the most NHL-ready player on the Gophers and I think he could turn into a top pairing guy eventually. He has all the tools and he's made some huge improvements this year, both offensively and defensively.
Interesting, I wouldn't call McDonagh physical by any stretch, he does throw some nice hits though.
When you look at how the Rangers draft or develop young defenseman they acquire, I think they know what they are doing. So I have little doubt Skjei has a good chance to be a very good pro.
Joey Bones
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Shesty31
Registered User
Amazing Kreiderman
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- Apr 11, 2011
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Our most recent 1st round pick
We should cherish this one since it'll be a while before we have another
Roo Mad Bro
U havin a giggle m8?
He has always been an elite skater. But that's his only real standout tool. Not an offensive guy and his skating will always leave you thinking he has more to give.
Pavel Buchnevich
"Pavel Buchnevich The Fake"
I think he's been pretty good defensively and moving the puck in college hockey and the AHL, but not yet at the NHL level. I think thats why he was sent down so quickly after getting called up.
Baemon Severson*
N1CO!!!
So, he tops out as John Moore in your opinion? Borderline top-4 guy with elite skating, but not a ton else?
Skjei have had the absolute necessary approach since turning pro. He is really trying to play with a wide register, and he handles many situations really well. He is excellent at fetching pucks deep really fast and make a good out-let pass. Strong defensively overall for a kid in the AHL and I am sure that will transform well to the NHL. Could become an advanced stat monster top 4 D. He is far from all wheels, and have much more quality and hockey in him than like a John Moore (I always thought JM was a decent player though, nothing wrong with him).
Many are comparing him to McD. I've yet to see Skjei exhibit that elite understanding of the game however that a No 1 D in the NHL must have. Truth to be told, I never saw that in McD either at the same age, but...
Many are comparing him to McD. I've yet to see Skjei exhibit that elite understanding of the game however that a No 1 D in the NHL must have. Truth to be told, I never saw that in McD either at the same age, but...
The best skaters is all about gears. They can constantly change tempo and move in relation to the players around them.
In terms of top gear, Skjei is a monster. Besides that his skating is only solid really. You won't confuse him with Brian Leetch...
GeorgeKaplan
Registered User
He might end up around John Moore offensively, but I think he'll end up a much better defensive player than Moore
Love the subtle little jabs you've been dropping in Rangers prospect threads. Nice touch.
John Moore has the hockey IQ of a peewee player. That alone will make Skjei a better player. He's much sounder defensively (though I think he's overrated here) and he'll like produce at the same level in the NHL.
Baemon Severson*
N1CO!!!
Wasn't meant to be an insult as I think John Moore is a pretty good player. Check out his possession stats.
Pavel Buchnevich
"Pavel Buchnevich The Fake"
Skjei's play the last month or two in the AHL and now NHL has really come on. I wasn't really convinced that he would be anything more than a middle pairing defenseman who defends and skates well, but he's scored much better in the AHL than he did in college hockey with 28 points in 68 games, and he's started and played well in the last 5 NHL games for the Rangers not playing less than 15:36, including two playoff games where I thought he was even better than the regular season games.
Its an easy comparison for our fans to compare him to McDonagh because he's a first round pick from Minnesota, who's a left shot, played college hockey, didn't score much in college hockey, always has been a very good defender and skater. I still don't think its a good comparison. You can't expect him to become one of the 10 or 20 best defenseman in the league, but I think there's a chance he's a 30-35 point #2D who's very good defensively, so maybe a poor man's Jay Bouwmeester.
Its an easy comparison for our fans to compare him to McDonagh because he's a first round pick from Minnesota, who's a left shot, played college hockey, didn't score much in college hockey, always has been a very good defender and skater. I still don't think its a good comparison. You can't expect him to become one of the 10 or 20 best defenseman in the league, but I think there's a chance he's a 30-35 point #2D who's very good defensively, so maybe a poor man's Jay Bouwmeester.
Irishguy42
Mr. Preachy
Ranger fans who I work with are calling him the next Brian Leetch.
Skjei won't be Brian Leetch. But he'll be good.
Jaykay
Registered User
Like a top 4 defenseman. The assist numbers are high but he's doing everything you would expect. Solid in his own end, he's a phenomenal skater, a smart player, and is just starting to get confident.
He could end up the most valuable of the new kids including Vesey and Buchnevich.
But his skating is what makes him such a "potentially" good top 4 D.
You make it sound like he is underwhelming.
As a late 1st rounder, the Rangers are very happy with him. Even the dopey coach is playing him more and more each night.
He also leads all rookies in assists...
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