Brady Skjei said recently that he thinks he will play more minutes this season and that all of the young Rangers have a "chance to step up." (NHL.com)
Skjei said, "we have a lot of guys that can really prove themselves this year, and I'm excited for that." (NHL.com)
He averaged 21:02 overall last season and in the 50 games prior to the All-Star break he averaged 19:57 and in the 32 games after he averaged 22:42.
Skjei said that offensively he wants to produce more and that defensively he feels he has the ability to shut down the other team's top line. (NYR)
He said that David Quinn will be "really good" for where the Rangers are and that "he wants to play a fast, speed game which really fits into our young group we have there."(NHL.com)
Skjei said that he played for newly hired assistant Greg Brown at the World Championships and that he"loved" playing for him in that tournament. (NYR)
He said that he wants to be a leader on this team and continue the role he had at the end of last season. (NYR)
Alain Vigneault said at the end of last season the next step for Skjei is becoming a pro and finding consistency.
For a lot more on Skjei, click HERE.
Skjei recently signed a six-year deal worth $5.25 million per season.
Adam Rotter: Skjei is looking to take a step forward and the Rangers certainly are as well. They invested six-years into Skjei and hope that in working with the new coaching staff he can ascend to being the top-pair defenseman that his skill set indicates that he can be. The Rangers still have Marc Staal on the left side but it should be Skjei in that top spot playing against the top players from the other team. He may pair up with Kevin Shattenkirk, which could limit his offense, since Shattenkirk should usually have the puck, but Skjei's greatest value to the Rangers will be in his defense, ability to get out of trouble and lead the rush if given the chance.
