BUFFALO N.Y. — Some Sabres fans were pretty steamed to see Jeff Skinner held out of three games this week. Head Coach Ralph Krueger explained his curious decision by avoiding specifics, instead saying that other players did a better job of following his principles.

What You Need To Know

  • Jeff Skinner returned to Sabres practice Friday after being relegated to practicing with the team's practice squad Thursday
  • Skinner has been a healthy scratch for three straight games after recording one assist and zero goals in 14 games this year
  • Skinner says he would've learned more from playing than from sitting in the press box during games
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"Sometimes they just don't embrace certain things. If they do, they'll be rewarded with minutes played," he says. "We are in an environment of accountability. You need to earn your keep here every single game, every single practice."

Skinner says he's had conversations with Krueger about his play, but chose to keep those details behind closed doors. While Krueger explained that the benching would give Skinner a different perspective, the two-time All Star disagrees.

"I watched a lot of hockey games, obviously. Played in a lot of hockey games," he says. "I don't think you learn anything extra by not being out there."

Skinner says he's happy to be back after practicing with the taxi squad Thursday — and that it's not a huge concern that he and Krueger had different ideas of how to handle this.

"No one agrees on everything," he says. "Everyone is different. Everyone sees the game, sees life through their own lens. Makes their own judgments and makes their own decisions."

"It's about different ways of growing people in different positions," says Krueger. "That's what this is about. Working together with Jeff to make him a better Jeff Skinner." 

And when Skinner was asked if he wants out?

"I love being a Sabre. I love the city of Buffalo. I wouldn't have chosen to stay here if that wasn't the case,” he said.

It's a good thing Skinner loves being a Sabre, since his contract makes him a difficult player to move. Skinner carries a cap hit of $9 million for each of the next six seasons.