© Rebekah Mohrmann

Smashville, brace yourselves for some excitement! The Nashville Predators have just welcomed their newest addition to the defensive corps.

Veteran NHL defenseman Brady Skjei made his way to the Music City on Wednesday, alongside new teammate Scott Wedgewood, after signing with the Predators as a free agent on July 1. Their purpose was to introduce themselves, shake hands, and become acquainted with their new surroundings.

Skjei’s arrival in the Predators team has generated considerable excitement among fans. This is particularly due to his impressive performance during the 2023-24 season with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he achieved a career-high of 47 points in 80 games. However, it is worth noting that Skjei himself is equally thrilled about joining the Predators and is eagerly looking forward to his inaugural season in Gold and Navy.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Skjei expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Nashville team. Having previously played as a guest on the visiting team, he always recognized Nashville as a top-notch destination. Skjei had heard from other players that Nashville fulfills all the prerequisites, and he wholeheartedly agreed. He knew he wanted to play for the team, as they have a promising future and a chance to win. The team’s signings on July 1 only strengthened his desire to be a part of it. Therefore, when he received the call from Nashville, his decision to join was an easy one.

Skjei’s signing was part of a successful opening day of free agency for the Predators, as General Manager Barry Trotz secured deals with notable players such as Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Additionally, the franchise’s star goaltender agreed to an eight-year contract extension.

Once the defenseman officially became an unrestricted free agent two and a half weeks ago, watching those signings and witnessing Nashville’s promising progress from last year’s campaign made Skjei’s decision incredibly straightforward.

Skjei expressed, “For me, it was an immense moment. Even before the July 1 signings, if you observe the young talent within this organization, both at the NHL level and in the AHL and farm system, it’s evident that the team will excel and make successful playoff runs in the coming years. By acquiring the players we did on July 1, we hope to expedite that process significantly. I believe Nashville is in for a thrilling few years ahead.”

Skjei, a highly experienced defenseman with 609 NHL games and 76 Stanley Cup Playoffs appearances, steps in to replace Ryan McDonagh after his trade to Tampa Bay. This addition bolsters Head Coach Andrew Brunette’s penalty kill unit with another reliable asset.

He is also quite skilled on the power play.

Skjei had an exceptional season last year, achieving a personal best and ranking second among Hurricanes defensemen in power-play points with 12 (1 goal and 11 assists). Moreover, Skjei stood out as one of only eight NHL defensemen to score both a power-play goal and a shorthanded goal in the 2023-24 season.

Skjei emphasized the significance of special teams, particularly in the playoffs, where successful teams are all functioning at their best. Over the past few years, he has been given more opportunities on the power play, which he finds enjoyable. Being able to contribute to his team’s offense is crucial, although he acknowledges that he is not likely to surpass Roman Josi in that role. However, Skjei has always taken pride in his penalty killing abilities throughout his career. The power play, on the other hand, is seen as an added bonus for him. Overall, he believes he can bring value to both aspects of special teams.

As they say in hockey, let’s do that hockey! pic.twitter.com/dVDDy4hVMF

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) July 17, 2024

Skjei, who has played five seasons for both the New York Rangers and the Hurricanes, has recently arrived in Nashville. He brings with him a highly sought-after seven-year contract and an exceptional chance to establish his reputation with the Predators.

It goes without saying that he is extremely enthusiastic to begin.

Skjei expressed the significance of securing a long-term agreement, stating, “It was clearly crucial for us to establish a lasting commitment. We aspire to become an integral part of the city, the team, and the fan base for the foreseeable future. I am immensely appreciative for the opportunity to be here for an extended period, aspiring to be a dependable pillar for the organization over the long haul. We are incredibly thrilled, honored, and grateful that the organization recognizes my value as both a player and an individual.”