Get To Know Predators Defenseman Brady Skjei – And How To Say His Name

No matter how established Brady Skjei might be as a standout defenseman in the NHL, he still finds himself correcting others who struggle with his last name.

Skjei – pronounced SHAY – can thank his Norwegian ancestors for that gift.

Even goaltender Scott Wedgewood asked how to say it before the two Nashville Predators newcomers were formally introduced Wednesday afternoon in a press conference at Bridgestone Arena.

“Everywhere I go, I’ve heard every pronunciation under the sun,” said Skjei, who’s from Lakeville, Minnesota. “The best is when they mess up the first name and the last name, which actually happens quite a bit.”

Nashvillians will have ample time to get Skjei’s name right with the ink now dry on his seven-year, $49 million deal with the Predators, a team he admired from afar during stints with the New York Rangers (2015-20) and Carolina Hurricanes (2020-24).

When Skjei hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career on July 1, the Predators were “at the top of the list” of his preferred destinations.

“I’ve heard other guys say it checks all the boxes, and that’s completely true,” he said. “I knew it was a team that I wanted to play for and a team that, in the future here, has a chance to win. Obviously with the signings they made on July 1, that makes it even more of a place that you want to be.”

Along with Skjei and Wedgewood, Nashville opened the new league year by landing seven-time NHL All-Star Steven Stamkos and 2023 Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Marchessault. The potential franchise-altering free agent class came together because Nashville is positioned to win, general manager Barry Trotz said.

“That’s the No. 1 thing they want, and then (afterward) you have to figure out the rest,” Trotz said following the signings. “Who do I play with? Where’s my fit? Once you have that, we’ve got everything you want from a city, to ownership, everything. There’s no reason not to come to Nashville.”

Skjei, 30, has developed a reputation as a two-way defender who can also handle significant roles on the penalty kill and power play.

The 2012 first-round pick collected 247 points (68 goals, 179 assists) and a plus-21 rating during his first decade in the league. Last season he set a career high in points (47) while finishing second on the Hurricanes in time on ice per game (21:16) and tied for second in assists (34).

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Skjei should help stabilize Nashville’s defense corps, which was shaken up in May when Trotz traded Ryan McDonagh back to the Tampa Bay Lightning at the veteran’s request. McDonagh tallied 52 points over the last two seasons while primarily playing alongside perennial Norris Trophy candidate Roman Josi.

Skjei said he’d welcome the opportunity to occupy a spot next to Josi on Nashville’s top pairing if coach Andrew Brunette puts him there. Both players are left-handed.

“I’ve definitely thought about it,” Skjei said. “I haven’t talked too much with Bruno about exactly what’s going to happen. I think we’ll let that work itself out during training camp. But Roman is a special player – there’s no question about it. If you put anyone with him, they’re going to succeed.”

Skjei acknowledged he and his wife Gracia prioritized a long-term deal in free agency. If all goes to plan, the continuity may lead to success on the ice in Nashville – and perhaps a few less pronunciation corrections off it.

“We wanted to feel like we’re a part of a city, team and fan base for years to come,” Skjei said. “I think I’m very grateful that I can be here for that long and try to be one of those pillars and a guy who the organization can lean on for many years to come.”

Follow Russell Vannozzi on X/Twitter @RussellV_MSP.

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