Dynamic Defenseman Signs with the Predators

In a big move this free agency, Brady Skjei, a defenseman, has signed to a new contract with the Nashville Predators, starting a new chapter in his professional hockey career. Skjei is well-known for his ability to contribute offensively and for his outstanding defensive performance. He offers a well-rounded skill set to the Predators. According to CBS Sports, the agreement is a seven-year deal worth $49 million. The Predators’ decision to sign Skjei is indicative of their want to add a dependable, adaptable defenseman to strengthen their blue line.

The 30-year-old Skjei attended the University of Minnesota for his collegiate hockey career from 2012 to 2015. Skjei played 109 games over his three seasons with the Golden Gophers, with eight goals, 19 assists, and 27 points. After playing for Minnesota during his junior year, Skjei was selected in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers. He was an exceptional player coming out of college because of his stature and quickness. Skjei has proven himself to be a dependable defenseman who can play big minutes against elite opponents since entering the NHL. Over the course of his nine-year career with the Rangers and Hurricanes, Skjei has accumulated 247 points, 179 assists, 68 goals, and five power-play goals. 

In his tenure with the Rangers and then the Hurricanes, Skjei demonstrated his capacity to make an impact at every level of the game. He is renowned for his toughness, solid placement, and capacity to stymie opponents' plays when playing defense. Skjei is a talented offensive player who can create scoring opportunities from the blue line by joining the rush. He is useful in power play and transition scenarios because of his agility and puck-handling prowess. Entering next season, the Predators are adding a versatile defenseman who can have an impact on a game in an instant as they aim to make a deep playoff run in 2024-25.