Brady Michael Skjei Bio
Brady Michael Skjei is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on March 26, 1994, in Lakeville, Minnesota, Skjei has established himself as a top-pairing two-way defenseman at the NHL level. He was selected by the New York Rangers in the first round, 28th overall, during the 2012 NHL Entry Draft after an impressive stint with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Throughout his career spanning from 2015 to the present, Skjei has represented the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and currently the Nashville Predators, while also showcasing his talents on the international stage for Team USA.
Early Life and Background
Skjei grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota, where he developed his passion for hockey at a young age. He played two seasons of high school hockey for the Lakeville North Panthers, demonstrating his exceptional talent early on. During his first season with the team, Skjei was recognized as Rookie of the Year, and in his sophomore campaign, he earned the Most Valuable Player honor. Beyond hockey, Skjei was a multi-sport athlete, serving as the starting quarterback on the varsity football team and competing on the golf team during his high school years. His athletic prowess extended through family lineage, as his grandfather played football at the University of Minnesota.
For his final two years of high school eligibility, Skjei transitioned to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, based in Michigan. This prestigious program allowed him to develop his skills against top-tier competition from across North America. He spent one season with the Under-17 team before moving up to the Under-18 team, where he continued to refine his game as a defenseman. His performance with the NTDP caught the attention of NHL scouts, setting the stage for his professional aspirations.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following his tenure with the National Team Development Program, Skjei committed to playing collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota. As a freshman, he appeared in 36 games for the Golden Gophers, recording one goal and two assists. His single season at the collegiate level provided valuable experience against older, more physically mature competition. The 2012 NHL Entry Draft marked a pivotal moment in his career when the New York Rangers selected him in the first round with the 28th overall pick, recognizing his potential as a future NHL defenseman.
After his freshman season at Minnesota, Skjei turned professional, signing an entry-level contract with the New York Rangers on April 1, 2015. He reported to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) on an amateur tryout to complete the 2014-15 season. He wasted no time making an impact, scoring his first professional goal in a Calder Cup playoff game against the Providence Bruins on April 26, 2015, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Brady Michael Skjei Career
New York Rangers Era (2015-2020)
Skjei began the 2015-16 season with the Hartford Wolf Pack, recording 2 goals and 9 assists in 27 games before receiving his promotion to the NHL. On December 15, 2015, he was recalled by the New York Rangers, where injuries to various defensemen increased his ice time significantly. While he failed to record any points in his 7 regular season games, he contributed 2 assists during the playoffs as the Rangers were eliminated in the first round by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 5 games.
The 2016-17 season proved to be a breakthrough year for Skjei. On December 11, 2016, he scored his first NHL goal against the New Jersey Devils. He continued to develop his offensive game throughout the season, recording his first career playoff goal on April 16, 2017, against the Montreal Canadiens. Later that month, on April 29, 2017, Skjei scored his first multiple-goal game, tallying two goals against the Ottawa Senators during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. His impressive rookie season earned him a spot on the NHL’s 2017 All-Rookie Team, validating the Rangers’ first-round investment in him.
Returning for his sophomore season, Skjei saw his point total dip to 25 as the Rangers struggled as a team and announced a rebuild in February. However, his ice time increased significantly following the trade of team captain Ryan McDonagh, providing him with valuable experience in a larger role. After his second season, Skjei secured his long-term future with the organization by signing a six-year contract extension with the Rangers on July 28, 2018.
Carolina Hurricanes Era (2020-2024)
On February 24, 2020, Skjei’s tenure with the Rangers came to an end when he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2020 first-round draft pick. This trade marked a new chapter in his career as he joined a Hurricanes team looking to establish itself as a perennial contender in the Eastern Conference. Over five seasons with Carolina, Skjei developed into a top-pairing two-way defenseman, balancing solid defensive responsibility with consistent offensive contributions from the blue line.
His time with the Hurricanes allowed him to showcase his durability and consistency, becoming a reliable anchor on the team’s defense corps. Skjei’s ability to log significant minutes against opponents’ top lines made him an invaluable asset for Carolina during his tenure. His professional approach and steady performance helped the Hurricanes remain competitive in the ultra-competitive Metropolitan Division throughout his stay.
Nashville Predators Era (2024-Present)
Following five seasons with the Hurricanes, Skjei departed Carolina as an unrestricted free agent and signed with the Nashville Predators on July 1, 2024. He inked a seven-year, $49 million contract, demonstrating the organization’s confidence in his abilities and long-term value. This move represented a significant commitment from both parties and positioned Skjei as a foundational piece for the Predators’ defensive unit going forward.
Playing Style and Strengths
Skjei is recognized as a two-way defenseman who excels in multiple facets of the game. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 210 pounds, he possesses the size and strength to handle physically demanding opponents along the boards and in front of the net. His left-handed shot provides him with effective options in both ends of the rink, while his skating ability allows him to close gaps quickly and recover when defending against rushing opponents. His calm demeanor with the puck and ability to make clean breakouts have made him a reliable option for his team’s transition game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Skjei has accumulated several memorable moments that highlight his capabilities as an NHL defenseman. His 2017 All-Rookie Team selection validated his rapid development, while his multi-goal playoff performance against Ottawa demonstrated his ability to elevate his game when it matters most. The trade to Carolina and subsequent signing with Nashville represent significant milestones that underscore his value around the league as a dependable top-four defenseman.
Brady Michael Skjei International Career
Skjei has represented the United States in numerous international competitions throughout his career. His first taste of international hockey came at the 2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where he recorded one goal and three assists in 6 games while helping Team USA to a second-place finish. In 2012, he played in several tournaments with the American Under-18 team, including the IIHF World U18 Championships, where he captured a gold medal in his first International Ice Hockey Federation sanctioned tournament. He was selected to the American team for the 2014 World Junior Tournament, further cementing his status as one of the top American defensemen in his age group.
Most recently, Skjei represented the United States at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he recorded one goal and two assists in ten games. His performance contributed to Team USA winning their first gold medal at the World Championship since 1933, a historic achievement that added international glory to his professional career.
Brady Michael Skjei Family
Family Background
Skjei comes from an athletic family with strong Midwestern roots. He is of Norwegian descent, which connects him to the rich heritage of Scandinavian players who have contributed to hockey’s development in North America. His grandfather played football at the University of Minnesota, continuing a family tradition of collegiate athletics that Skjei himself would later continue in some capacity.
Personal Life
In early August 2021, Skjei married his longtime girlfriend, Gracia Bonesho, in a private ceremony surrounded by family and friends. The couple announced in May 2025 that they were expecting their first child together. Their son, Baker, was born in late October 2025, expanding Skjei’s family and providing a new source of joy alongside his hockey career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Skjei as he settled into his new role with the Nashville Predators following his July 2024 signing. Working to establish chemistry with his new defensive partners and adapt to the Predators’ systems, Skjei provided the team with steady, reliable minutes from the blue line. His experience and professionalism helped stabilize a defense corps looking to compete in the highly competitive Central Division.
Internationally, the 2025 IIHF World Championship provided Skjei with an opportunity to represent his country on the grandest stage. His performance in the tournament played a crucial role in Team USA’s historic gold medal run, as the Americans captured their first World Championship title in over nine decades. This achievement not only validated his international credentials but also demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure when representing the Stars and Stripes.
Off the ice, Skjei balanced his professional responsibilities with his growing family, as he and his wife welcomed their first child during the season. As he continues his career with Nashville, Skjei remains focused on contributing to the Predators’ success while establishing himself as a respected veteran presence in the locker room.