Skjei Tries to Emulate McDonagh
Before boarding an airplane to Finland for the final days of USA World Junior camp, Rangers 2012 first round pick Brady Skjei admits to Katie Strang at ESPN.com that he emulates his game after Ryan McDonagh...
“We’re both good-skating defensemen who can move the puck and if I can be half as good as him I’ll be happy. He’s a guy I’d like to play like and hopefully someday I can play like him.”
Rangers Assistant General Manager Jeff Gorton agreed with the similarities...
“I think that’s a fair comparison. (Skjei's) a tremendous skater, he has size and a lot of potential.”
...if he becomes half the player McDonagh is, I'd say the Rangers and their fans will be very happy with this kid.
...while I've yet to see him play in person, from what I've read he sounds like he has more offensive ability than McDonagh. Which has me that much more excited about him.
Skjei, who is still not certain to make the American roster when the tournament opens up on December 26th, added this on what his Team USA coaches are expecting from him...
“I think I can play a shutdown role. I think that’s what they want me to play. They don’t expect me to be a power-play. Just a good skating, puck-moving defenseman. On the Olympic ice, with my skating ability, I think I can use that to my advantage.”
Speaking of Rangers prospects, Assistant General Manager and Coach, and Connecticut Whale GM, Jim Schoenfeld, discusses the development of JT Miller and Chris Kreider as well as his thoughts on other players in Connecticut with Blueshirts United...
Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook or e-mail me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Is anyone else so hockey starved that they watched the US/Swedish pre-tourny game? Skjei was on the ice for the OT winner.
