The New York Rangers selecting incoming University of Minnesota freshman Brady Skjei with the No. 28 pick in the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft. Skjei is the first Gophers hockey player to be drafted in the first round since Nick Bjugstad was picked in 2010 at No. 19 by the Florida Panthers.
Last year's draft was also the first in a decade not to feature a Minnesota-born player selected in the first round. A defenseman, Skjei is known for his strong skating ability and two-way presence.
Skjei hails from Lakeville, Minn. He spent his freshman and sophomore years in his hometown before leaving to join the United States National Team Development Program as a high school junior. He was part of a gold medal-winning U.S. team at the 2012 Under-18 World Championships.
For more NHL Draft news, stay with this StoryStream and head over to SB Nation's NHL hub. For more on the Gophers, check out The Daily Gopher. For more reaction from the Rangers on the pick, check out Blueshirt Banter.