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

[eco's bones]

If signed Skjei probably won't make the NHL right away but he'll be on the fast track. If he signs this summer it's much more likely that the Rangers move Marc Staal sometime during the year. Skjei has a lot of the same attributes that Staal has--tall, great reach, defensively sound. Is probably even a better skater.

As far as Bodie and Allen they can still be players for us. They need vets around them in the AHL though and thats what Kampfer and Hunwick are there to provide. Not a good thing to be depending on just first and second year pros if you expect to win at the AHL level.

 

[GAGLine]

That's semantics as I'm aware he doesn't HAVE to sign with Hartford.

It isn't semantics. Skjei has no obligation to sign with the Rangers, ever. He could decide to retire from hockey tomorrow and that is totally his right. It's his life.

By selecting him in the draft, all we did was determine where he would play if and when he decides to sign a contract.

 

[we want cup]

If signed Skjei probably won't make the NHL right away but he'll be on the fast track. If he signs this summer it's much more likely that the Rangers move Marc Staal sometime during the year. Skjei has a lot of the same attributes that Staal has--tall, great reach, defensively sound. Is probably even a better skater.

As far as Bodie and Allen they can still be players for us. They need vets around them in the AHL though and thats what Kampfer and Hunwick are there to provide. Not a good thing to be depending on just first and second year pros if you expect to win at the AHL level.

I don't think Skjei has anything to do with Staal as of yet. Even if he projects as a similar player, we have no idea if he'll be anywhere near as good. If the team's goal is to win the Cup within the next few years, I think the idea would be to have BOTH of them contributing.

Not every defenseman can become as good as Staal/McD as quickly as those players became good.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

I don't think Skjei has anything to do with Staal as of yet. Even if he projects as a similar player, we have no idea if he'll be anywhere near as good. If the team's goal is to win the Cup within the next few years, I think the idea would be to have BOTH of them contributing.

Not every defenseman can become as good as Staal/McD as quickly as those players became good.

If Staal can sign for 5 mill, I'd be absolutely fine with him on the 2nd pairing. But anything more and he becomes problematic to keep.

 

[nikonsniper*]

Fine with me. No room for him really right now anyway.

 

[ZiGOODejad]

No reason for it they just want him in the ahl but why should he play there instead of college and then pro cause it's not like he could move up and force out John Moore cause John Moore is totally fine where he is now..

 

[Beer League Sniper]

John Moore has a hockey IQ of 50. I'm pretty sure Skjei is better than him right now. But Skjei has the potential to be far better than John Moore, so I'm fine with him going back to college for another year. It certainly won't hurt him.

 

[SupersonicMonkey*]

Skjei is a very intelligent player. It is one of his strengths. I would say, he relies on his head more than his skates.

 

[RangerBoy]

Skjei is staying in school

Gopher Hockey defenseman Brady Skjei has confirmed he will return to the University of Minnesota for his junior season in 2014-15.

The Lakeville, Minn., is currently participating at the New York Rangers Prospect Development Camp at Madison Square Garden Training Center and informed the National Hockey League (NHL) organization of his decision on Thursday.

"I can't wait to come back and build off of what we accomplished last year," Skjei said. "It's a new season and a new team, but I'm excited about our potential."

http://www.gophersports.com/blog/2014/07/skjei-excited-to-return-in-2014-15.html

No surprise.

He still needs to work on his game.

 

[vipernsx]

As much as I want to see Skjei turn pro this year, college seems to do a very good job of training players the defensive and positional portion of the games. This is obviously important to a blueliner. Still with the WJC behind him, I'd really like to see him get in a challenge at the next level. Maybe the Rangers will get him a spot in the WC at the end of the year.

 

[NYRFANMANI]

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

It's not like every draft is loaded with those kind of players ...

 

[pld459666]

I'm glad he stayed in College.

If he feels he's not ready, then he's not ready. Going to the NHL because someone else thinks you are ready is the wrong reason.

When the time is right, only you know.

Plus as mentioned, he stays and gets an education which will serve him well when his NHL career is over.

Good for Skjei.

 

[SlapshotTheMovie]

He doesn't have a place on this years team. Let him get top mincutes in college for another year.

 

[Steve Kournianos]

Gorton said on NHL radio they think he's ready now. Didn't even hesitate, and that was after he was asked who are the top kids in the pipeline.

He mentioned Skjei first.

 

[Steve Kournianos]

Fine with me. No room for him really right now anyway.

 

[Brooklyn Ranger]

It's a moot point now since Skejei has committed to going back to school. We can pencil him into the lineup next summer.

 

[Championship*]

Can Brady add some offense to his game? If he can he could become a formidable D-man.

 

[Championship*]

Another question: Could Brady pull a Kreider and join the team for the playoffs? Not saying that he should, and really I guess it depends on his season. Plus, the chances that the Rangers want to trust one of their D-man spots to a greenhorn during the most important time of the year are slim.

Who knows, it's mid August what else is there to ******** about right?

 

[Mac n Gs]

Can Brady add some offense to his game? If he can he could become a formidable D-man.

I think Brady himself mentioned that's one reason why he wanted to go back for one more year. It was reported that he has a very good slapshot (from earlier this summer I believe), so if he tries to hone that skill it'll be a plus for us.

Besides, he's probably wants one more shot at the NCAA title since they were so close last year.

I'm also curious to see how Nanne plays at OSU this year.

 

[cwede]

I'm also curious to see how Nanne plays at OSU this year.

Nanne starts at OSU next year, will play in US junior, i beleive at Sioux Falls, this year