Jeff Skinner shows his true colours when asked about playoff benching with Oilers
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Oilers forward Jeff Skinner never quite found a fit with the Oilers, but still has nothing but good things to say about his time in Edmonton.
Skinner held the record for the longest NHL career without reaching the playoffs, and when he finally made it this season, he only played 5 games. Oilers coach Knoblauch had previously admitted Skinner's game never fit with their lineup needs.
Jeff Skinner says he still appreciated tike in Edmonton, playoff experience without playing often
Speaking to Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now in a new interview, Skinner showed his true colours by still fining the positive in his situation with the Oilers - a great learning experience and memories he'll have forever.
There's been a lot of coverage on my career and how I haven't had that opportunity as much as I would have wanted [it] personally, but to be in that environment
The team had been there the year before, so there's a lot of guys there that have a lot of experience that I could learn from, and then going through it, being around that environment was definitely something I learned a lot from.
There's a lot of excitement around that kind of a run. Using that experience going forward will definitely benefit myself.
- Jeff Skinner
The team had been there the year before, so there's a lot of guys there that have a lot of experience that I could learn from, and then going through it, being around that environment was definitely something I learned a lot from.
There's a lot of excitement around that kind of a run. Using that experience going forward will definitely benefit myself.
- Jeff Skinner
Despite never getting much ice time or opportunity from the coaches, Skinner always seemed to show up with a smile and worked his hardest. At the minimum, he was always a great teammate.
In 72 games last season, Skinner only scored 16 goals and 29 points. The 33 year old career sniper has had much better seasons in the past with more ice time, and could potentially bounce back with more chances and powerplay time in San Jose.
If he finds his game again, he'll likely get traded back to a contender and apply those lessons he learned with the Oilers. He's still got gas in the tank, and arguably, wasn't given a fully fair shot in Edmonton.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 14 | 498 ANSWERS Jeff Skinner shows his true colours when asked about playoff benching with Oilers Do you think the Oilers gave Jeff Skinner a fair shot? | ||
| Yes | 152 | 30.5 % |
| No | 346 | 69.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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