For the first time since suffering a concussion on Dec. 7 in Edmonton, Jeff Skinner skated with the team in practice in a yellow, non-contact jersey. Skinner has missed the team’s last 10 games.

Though he still might be a ways off from returning to the lineup, today was an important step in his recovery, something the team has handled with precision.

“I haven’t been out there with that many bodies, that many pucks, that much noise, so I wasn’t sure how I was going to react,” Skinner said. “So far, I’ve felt good. I’ve got to talk to the doctors and take the next step forward.”

“He’s a huge part of this team, so he’ll continue to work on the processes, but it’s a great sign to see him out there practicing,” head coach Kirk Muller said. “He’s obviously anxious to get back in the lineup, and I’m sure he was happy just to get out there with the guys.”

“It was nice to see him out there. He looked to be in good spirits, and hopefully he continues to progress,” Eric Staal said. “He’s an important piece to our team, and a guy that has the ability to make a difference night in and night out.”

Skinner has skated a few times by himself before taking the ice with the team today, something that doesn’t really compare for the 19-year-old.

“I’ve been out a couple times by myself,” he said. “You get excited to go out on the ice, and then two minutes pass and you get bored just playing by yourself.”

For more, please click here.

– News release, Michael Smith