Nashville Predators 2024-2025 Player Spotlight: Brady Skjei
The move to send Ryan McDonagh might've taken Predators fans by surprise, but it allowed Barry Trotz and company to make the move to bring in Brady Skjei. Skjei brings his 6'3 210 pound frame over from Carolina for a contract worth $49 million over the course of the next 7 years. The 30-year-old grabbed the long-term contract he was looking for and a great payday. He'll turn 31 this year and ideally will be the number 2 man on the defense for the next handful of seasons.
Last Season
You could argue that Skjei was the number 1 guy last season in Carolina. Brent Burns, Jacob Slavin, and Skjei were all razor close in ice time, and Skjei actually outpointed both of his blue line mates over the course of the season.
He played in all situations and produced at even strength, short handed, and on the power play. In total, he had 47 points spread out over 13 goals and and 34 assists. He was on the positive end being a +15, and managed to only spend 40 minutes in the penalty box. He was also an advanced stats darling, with his Corsi For % being in the loveable 56.5% category. It will be a tough loss for Carolina to absorb.
This Season
The Predators should have a player that can do everything that Ryan McDonagh did, but younger and more offensively efficent. They have some differences in their games for sure, but they can fill the same roles on the ice, with some tweaks.
Skjei plays in all situations and with an uptempo style he could be in line for an increase in production. However, he is going to have to adjust to the Western Conference schedule and style. The trips are longer, and the opponents are heavier and rougher. He only had 69 hits a year ago. That might not be what the Predators need from Skeji if he's playing 20+ minutes a night. He's going to be a targeted player for teams looking to wear down the Predators.
Another aspect of Skjei's game that could improve is his shooting. He attempted 432 shots last season and got 185 through. That's likely a number he could increase, and with it his production could increase, but overall the whole offense around him could do better. He also could end up being tasked with holding up his own defensive pair.
He probably is not going to be running shotgun to Roman Josi, but rather holding up one of the other defenders on the team. Camp and preseason will be crucial for helping him find some chemistry with one of the other guys to help set up a 2nd pairing that can handle heavy minutes. In some games they'll need to take the lead. Roman Josi will be turning 35 and needs that backup to be fresh to the entire season, and a playoff run.
Skjei is going to feel the pressure on his contract if he struggles early. A hot start should be the cure to any worries about replacing McDonagh and Skjei's long term future.