Rangers recall Brady Skjei from Hartford of AHL

NEWARK, N.J. -- The New York Rangers have recalled defenseman Brady Skjei (pronounced SHEA) from Hartford of the American Hockey League.

General manager Jeff Gorton made the move because veteran defenseman Marc Staal will miss Tuesday night's game against the New Jersey Devils due to a lower-body injury.

Coach Alain Vigneault says Skjei will be paired with Kevin Klein in the game. Vigneault says Staal will accompany the team on its road trip to St. Louis and Dallas later this week.

Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh, who will miss his third straight game with a jaw injury and neck spasms, skated on Tuesday and had no problems. He also will make the trip.

Skjei has skated in two games with the Rangers this season, registering two shots on goal and two penalty minutes. He made his NHL debut on Dec. 15 against Edmonton.