Skjei unsure if he's ready to leave U. of Minn.

[Crease]

Clark & Co. want him to go pro. Sounds like he wants to stay in school for one more year of fun.

Brady Skjei still has some thinking to do.

The Rangers would like their first-round pick from 2012 to turn pro but the allure of returning to Minnesota for his junior season — off an NCAA Frozen Four appearance — is strong for the 20-year-old defenseman.

"I'm not sure," the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Skjei said Monday as the Rangers opened their week-long prospect camp. "Gordie [Clark, the Rangers director of player personnel] has told me he thinks I'm ready. But I'm still thinking. It's tough, but I think one more year of development would only help me."

Article

When was the last time a top-tier Rangers prospect went against management's plan for him? Didn't this happen with Kreider at BC?

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[Beer League Sniper]

I have no issue with him going back to Minnesota for one more year. Don't rush the kid.

 

[TeamStewie]

Yeah there is no rush really. I know they probably can't wait to get their hands on him in Hartford but Minnesota isn't that shabby.

 

[eco's bones]

Sounds to me like he's leaning towards going back to Minnesota U.

 

[Miamipuck]

I hope he goes back to school, 1 more year will not hurt him.

 

[Ail]

If the scouts think he is ready, I want him in Hartford or with the Rangers. However you can't blame him for wanting to enjoy the college life. Have fun dude.

 

[Nash Money]

How does him going back affect his contract status? Don't want a Schultz situation here.

 

[Trxjw]

How does him going back affect his contract status? Don't want a Schultz situation here.

We retain his rights through his Senior year I believe. Playing one more year won't put us in a bind, and I think Skjei could use it to keep rounding out his game.

 

[NewLife]

How does him going back affect his contract status? Don't want a Schultz situation here.

Didn't they change the rules for NCAA prospect in the new CBA? That the player can stay and get his degree while the NHL club keeps the rights?

 

[FJB]

If we're going to have 1st round picks, can we please, I dunno, draft people who may be ready to go pro ASAP?

 

[RGY]

If we're going to have 1st round picks, can we please, I dunno, draft people who may be ready to go pro ASAP?

Because McDonagh, Stepan, and Kreider logging years in college hurt them...

 

[Thirty One]

Clark & Co. want him to go pro. Sounds like he wants to stay in school for one more year of fun.



Article

When was the last time a top-tier Rangers prospect went against management's plan for him? Didn't this happen with Kreider at BC?

McDonagh too. According to HF, it meant that McDonagh had attitude problems and Kreider was going to the Bruins.

 

[ZacUSNYR]

If he has any doubts I want him to stay in the NCAA for a year.

 

[Mikos87]

When was the last time a top-tier Rangers prospect went against management's plan for him? Didn't this happen with Kreider at BC?

Yeah the Rangers wanted him pro after his freshmen year. Mac Truck also stayed an extra year.

Might not be a bad thing for him to stick around. More time in the weight room to fill out quicker, but kid will still need reps.

I think he's a lock to be better than JMoore based on size and focus factor alone.

 

[YoSoyLalo]

If we're going to have 1st round picks, can we please, I dunno, draft people who may be ready to go pro ASAP?

Yeah!!! Who needs players like Kreider and McDonagh????

 

[Raspewtin]

No reason to leave if he doesn't want to.

Nothing wrong with one more year.

 

[Raspewtin]

If we're going to have 1st round picks, can we please, I dunno, draft people who may be ready to go pro ASAP?

Those picks exist in the top 5 and almost nowhere else.

Be patient.

 

[we want cup]

It's tough because you figure management has a pretty good idea how best to develop players, but you also want the kid to be comfortable when he does make the transition to the pros.

I won't complain if he stays because I'm moving to Minneapolis this August and will be able to watch him play live.

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

Nothing has been decided yet.

But going back to school wouldn't be the worst thing. Not surprised Rangers brass wants him to go Pro now. He is good enough to play now.

If he feels he can add another dimension to his game (increase his offense) then it is hard to argue against it.

 

[FJB]

Those picks exist in the top 5 and almost nowhere else.

Be patient.

I know... I got spoiled by Staal, and I realize d-men take longer to develop. Stepan started fairly quickly after being drafted. I'm still bitter about McI over Fowler.

 

[Raspewtin]

I know... I got spoiled by Staal, and I realize d-men take longer to develop. Stepan started fairly quickly after being drafted. I'm still bitter about McI over Fowler.

Staal wasn't a full time NHL'er until 2007-2008, drafted in 2005. Two addtl' seasons.

Stepan wasn't full time until 2010-2011, drafted in 2008. Two more seasons.

Is it asking that much to wait one more year, especially when we can afford to?

 

[pld459666]

if he's not sure, then he should stay.

one more year will not hurt him or coming out early will not help us.

Stay in school young man

 

[silverfish]

Another year as a Golden Gopher will not hurt him. If he wants to stay in school, he should stay in school. The Rangers are more than allowed to express their wishes to him if they think he's ready, but ultimately, it's not like another year at school will hurt his development. Especially the way he gained responsibility from his freshman to sophomore campaigns. He'll come out after his Junior year like Kreider and McDonagh did.

Take the confidence of the team thinking you're ready and kill it up in Minnesota for another year

 

[FJB]

Staal wasn't a full time NHL'er until 2007-2008, drafted in 2005. Two addtl' seasons.

Stepan wasn't full time until 2010-2011, drafted in 2008. Two more seasons.

Is it asking that much to wait one more year, especially when we can afford to?

No, I'm just impatient.

I guess my main concern is that if it takes 3+ years for a player to be ready for the NHL, Slats is going to fill that gap with an absolutely stupid UFA contract. That's my bigger concern than someone like McI taking 4+ years.

 

[Beacon]

If we're going to have 1st round picks, can we please, I dunno, draft people who may be ready to go pro ASAP?

Lower risk means lower ceiling. There is no magic here. If two kids are ranked about the same, then if one is better at something, he must be worse at something else (or else they wouldn't be ranked the same).