"I've become a hockey fan because of Brady and some other awesome people," Monahan explained, adding that he was introduced to Skjei by OAR's frontman, Marc Roberge.
Here are some highlights from Monahan's conversation with Skjei, who is currently in New York City.
Brady Skjei](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDBGJh1h21A)
On Skjei's fiancé, Gracia, who is a nurse in New York City: "She's on the frontlines right now. … She's working mother-baby unit, postpartum. She actually hasn't had many cases on her floor right now, but the other floors in the hospital are getting pretty crazy right now."
On being traded from the Rangers to the Canes: "It was definitely tough. They always say it's part of the business, getting traded, but when it actually happens, it's definitely pretty eye-opening. … The guys in Carolina - I came into the locker room not really knowing many people at all, and they're unbelievable. The hockey world is so small. Each guy I got to know on the Hurricanes, we have mutual friends on different teams or played with guys growing up. That made it a little easier, and the guys made it extremely easy to fit in and feel a part of the team."
On resuming the season: "They're throwing around a bunch of ideas. All the players - everybody - wants to play and finish the season, but we definitely have to be careful with this virus."
On the possibility of playing without fans: "The playoff atmosphere is one of the coolest things. The fans go nuts. Obviously it'd be way better if the fans were in there. Time frame, I'm not sure how it would work out. … The fans would make it much, much better for sure."
On playing sports, including hockey and golf: "I have much more passion for hockey than any other sports. … Probably like golf second. … I'm pretty good [at golf] for a guy who just plays in the summer, but you watch these pros, and I've had the chance to play with some, and they're on a different level."
On food in New York City and cooking: "Most are doing takeout, so we're trying to support the restaurants we really enjoy and like. … I bet we cook half the nights and order in half the nights. … I'm not the best cook. I've actually been getting a lot better at breakfast. I've been working on making omelets and breakfast quesadillas. [Kevin Hayes] knows I can make a good plate of nachos. That's about it. Gracia does most of the cooking here."
On "Tiger King": "We watched it in about two nights, I think. It's a wild story."
His message to Canes fans: "I'm pumped to be there. I'm excited for the future. We've got a ton of talent, and I think we're going to make some good runs in the playoffs."
