Predators' defenseman Brady Skjei now at the veteran core of Nashville's defensive end: "I'm an open book for these guys"
- Anthony Pellegrino
- Mar 8
- 2 min read
Brady Skjei stepping up mentorship with Josi sidelined, Schenn traded
By Anthony Pellegrino @Pellegrinoap50 IceInsider.com Predators All Access Reporter
NASHVILLE--It wasn't a surprise when veteran defenseman Luke Schenn was dealt in a joint deal with Tommy Novak, to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Michael Bunting and a 2026 4th-round pick.
After all, a trade involving Schenn by the deadline became inevitable.
Following a 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers, eight days before being dealt to Pittsburgh, Luke Schenn sounded off on the Predators' struggles on offense.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been a part of a group like this that literally can’t score a goal," Schenn said. "Our defensive game is not there, but at least you catch the odd break and get the puck in the net. It’s been hard to come by," Schenn added.
The veteran defenseman will be missed in the locker room by Predators teammates and coaches. Crossing the 1,000 game milestone as a member of the team, Schenn's experience in the leauge was an integral part to his role on the blue line.
His void would presumably be easier to fill had captain Roman Josi not suffered an upper-body injury, still marked week-to-week.
Schenn's departure and Josi's injury leaves 30-year-old Brady Skjei as the Predators "cornerstone" defenseman, to one of the youngest groups of defenseman in the leauge.
"I'm the veteran guy back there now," Skjei said following Nashville's 5-3 win over Seattle on Thursday. "Throughout the year (I think) I've done a good job of answering questions for these guys, and just talking with them."
Skjei referred to himself as an"open book" to the young defenseman.
"I've been an open book throughout the whole season with these young guys. There are a bunch of young guys playing and playing really well. (Doing) whatever I can to help them out. They've done a great job so far, and I'm always trying to get better in that aspect as well."
The defensive group featuring Nick Blankenburg, Marc Del Gaizo, Spencer Stastney, Andreas Englund, and Justin Barron range from the ages of 23 to 29.
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