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\u2019s last 10 games.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t been out there with that many bodies, that many pucks, that much noise, so I wasn\u2019t sure how I was going to react,\u201d Skinner said. \u201cSo far, I\u2019ve felt good. I\u2019ve got to talk to the doctors and take the next step forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a huge part of this team, so he\u2019ll continue to work on the processes, but it\u2019s a great sign to see him out there practicing,\u201d head coach Kirk Muller said. \u201cHe\u2019s obviously anxious to get back in the lineup, and I\u2019m sure he was happy just to get out there with the guys.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was nice to see him out there. He looked to be in good spirits, and hopefully he continues to progress,\u201d Eric Staal said. \u201cHe\u2019s an important piece to our team, and a guy that has the ability to make a difference night in and night out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Skinner has skated a few times by himself before taking the ice with the team today, something that doesn\u2019t really compare for the 19-year-old.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been out a couple times by myself,\u201d he said. \u201cYou get excited to go out on the ice, and then two minutes pass and you get bored just playing by yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n