Defenseman Set Career High in Points Last Season with Carolina

Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz announced today that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Brady Skjei (SHAY) on a seven-year, $49 million contract ($7 million AAV).

“We feel Brady Skjei has developed into one of the NHL’s top two-way defensemen, and his high-end ability to skate and move the puck makes him a big addition to our defensive corps,” Trotz said. “By joining a group that includes Norris Trophy finalist Roman Josi, Stanley Cup champion Luke Schenn, a physical presence in Jeremy Lauzon and recently signed Alexandre Carrier, Brady gives us another two-way blueliner who can play in all situations.”

Skjei, 30 (3/26/94), established a career high in points with the Carolina Hurricanes last season, leading team blueliners with 47 (13g-34a). Additionally, he averaged 21:17 of ice time – the second-most in his career and among Carolina defensemen – and was one of eight NHL blueliners to score at least one power-play goal and one shorthanded goal. In the playoffs, Skjei recorded a career-high nine points (1g-8a) in 11 games to help the Hurricanes reach the Second Round.

Originally selected by the New York Rangers in the first round (28th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft, Skjei is a veteran of 609 career games since debuting in 2015-16, posting 247 points (68g-179a) and a +21 rating. A member of the 2017 NHL All-Rookie Team, he spent the first five seasons of his career with the Rangers before being dealt to Carolina in February 2020. With the Hurricanes, Skjei notched 135 points (43g-92a) in 302 games, eclipsing the 35-point mark in each of the last three seasons. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound, left-shot defenseman has also suited up in 76 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, in which he’s posted 25 points (7g-18a) and a +13 rating.

Internationally, the Lakeville, Minn., native has represented the United States several times, winning gold at the 2012 U-18 World Championship. He also claimed silver at the 2011 U-17 World Hockey Challenge, played in the 2014 World Junior Championship and skated in the 2016, 2017 and 2019 World Championships.