Observations:

November 2016 – Skjei skated his first pro season in 2015/16, finishing with 28 points (4G, 24A) in 68 games with the AHL's Hartford Wolfpack. After ending the season in New York, the former first-round pick elevated his game into a full-time role with the Rangers in 2016/17. Through 14 games, Brady has posted nine assists while averaging about 15 minutes of ice. The slick-skating defender has also slotted in on the second power-play unit and leads their defensive unit in hits.  Expect Skjei's game to continue to progress with top-four minutes on the horizon.  Geoff Kent

January 2016- Brady Skjei can officially say he has played in the National Hockey League, a dream all hockey players have growing up. He was unable to register a point in his first game as a Ranger, but did see 14:54 minutes of ice time and was involved in all situations of the game. His stint in New York did not last very long, although he did appear in one more game (again failing to register a point) before being sent back to the Hartford Wolfpack of the AHL. Statistically, Skjei has fared much better in Hartford; in the 33 games he has skated in; he has scored two goals and assisted on 12 others (14 PTS). The Rangers backend has been far from spectacular in the recent months, so I would not rule out the potential of Skjei getting recalled for a second time. Bryan Puffer

January 2015 – In his third and most likely final year at college, Brady Skjei is having a decent season. He is not a big point producer on the ice, but he is a very good at the defensive side of the game. In 16 games he has a goal and five assists. He was forced to miss two months of play during the fall because of a lower body injury. He is not receiving any significant power play minutes but that's because Minnesota runs a forward on the point alongside Mike Reilly. Skjei does has moderate offensive upside but he's a ways away from becoming a significant two-way option. Skjei is a mobile defenseman, who owns a good first pass and decent hands.Skjei is one of the more NHL-ready prospect in Rangers system. He will turn pro after this season and with a very good training camp he can earn a spot in Rangers crowded blue line.Jozsef Kurtosi

February 2014 – After a mediocre first year in college, in his sophomore year Skjei has taken a step forward in his development. He plays top line minutes for Gophers and represented the US in this year’s U20 World Junior Championship. In Malmo he played big minutes against opponent's top lines, and did not disappoint. Skjei is a mobile shutdown defenseman who makes good outlet passes. Skjei has some offensive upside, but needs to work on his game to become a fine two-way NHL Dman. He is poor man's version of Ryan McDonagh. Jozsef Kurtosi

May 2013 – Skjei completed his freshman year at the University of Minnesota with one goal and three points in 36 games. While not an elite offensive talent, more was expected of him. Additionally, he only had 14 PIM and does not play much of a physical game. As a former first-round draft choice, he will have opportunities to play in New York if he continues to develop but at this point it is unlikely that any of his skills translate to fantasy hockey. Eric Daoust

December 2012 – Brady Skjei was one of the 27 American players named to the USA preliminary roster for the upcoming 2013 World Junior Championships. Skjei has one goal and two points in 14 games for the University of Minnesota this season.  Brendan Ross

June 2012 – Skjei is a two-way defenseman that is extremely mobile. Drafted 28^th overall by the Rangers, he doesn’t possess a big upside but he is capable of making consistent breakout passes and logging tough defensive minutes. For a big man, Skjei needs to engage himself more to better utilize his large frame. Brendan Ross

Fantasy Outlook:   C-

Skjei boasts a ton of speed and the Rangers are convinced that he has untapped offensive potential. But not enough to be fantasy worthy. Valuable only in leagues that count hits.

Footage:

Brady Skjei Scores Twice Against Michigan 3/15/2014:

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Skjei's WJC feature video from NHL.com…

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Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

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