Brady Skjei New York Rangers
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The New York Rangers have re-signed restricted free against defenseman Brady Skjei to a six-year contract.

New York Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton announced the team has re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Brady Skjei to a six-year contract.

Skjei, 24, skated in 82 games with the Rangers this past season, registering four goals and 21 assists for 25 points, along with 39 penalty minutes. He was the only Ranger who skated in all 82 games in 2017-18.

The six-year deal was for $31.5 million with an annual average salary cap hit of $5.250 million. Skjei was scheduled for an arbitration hearing in August. At the conclusion of the contract, Skjei will be an unrestricted free agent.

The 6-foot-3, 211-pounder has skated in 169 career NHL games over parts of the last three seasons, all with the Rangers, registering nine goals and 55 assists for 64 points.

Skjei was one of eight NHL players who registered at least 150 shots on goal.

Skjei is coming off a sub-par season on the Rangers blueline, along with most of his teammates. The defenseman was partnered with different defenseman and never looked comfortable on the ice.

Skjei, who is often compared to legend Brian Leetch has now reached the time in his career where he is expected to be the leader on the blueline. His new contract reflects the confidence the organization has in him. Now, during this well-known rebuild, Skjei we’ll have to show the team he is ready to take the next step and lead the team towards the playoffs.

The Minnesota native was selected by the Rangers in the first round, 28th overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

The Rangers now have their sights on re-signing Kevin Hayes who is coming off a career high in goals scored with 25 last season.

It is expected that the organization will sign all of the players that were heading towards an arbitration hearing in August.

A graduate of St. John's University class of '91. I have been a fan of the New York Rangers since the days of Peter Puck. Founder of Ranger Proud, the Facebook page that covers all news, notes, pre /post-game stats, and player quotes. I can be reached at Nyrfc12@gmail.com