Jeff Skinner's tenure with the Edmonton Oilers has been anything but successful and today he spoke about the frustration and speculation building about a potential trade. Earlier today a report from The Athletic confirmed that the <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/new-report-confirms-evander-kane-status-for-the-season-and-what-it-means-for-the-oilers-trade-deadline-plans' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Edmonton Oilers will be aggressive at the NHL Trade Deadline.</a> With the Oilers expected to have salary cap space and the ability to make major upgrades to their forward group, it calls into question the future of Jeff Skinner in Edmonton. Skinner is a highly skilled offensive player who is at his best when playing alongside other highly talented players. This season with the Oilers he has struggled to find his groove tallying just 16 points in 44 games and sporting one of the worst point-per-game paces of his entire career. These struggles including Skinner being benched by head coach Kris Knoblauch on several occasions have led many fans and media to wonder if Skinner would prefer a change of scenery before the NHL Trade Deadline to seek more playing time. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/SportsnetSpec/status/1878211324607385876'> </a></blockquote></div> Today Skinner spoke about these reports and decided to make a clear statement regarding his wishes for his future. <h3>Jeff Skinner confirms whether he wants to stay with the Edmonton Oilers or not</h3> During a new interview with The Athletic ahead of the Oilers matchup with Skinner's former team the Buffalo Sabres he was asked about his future in Edmonton. Skinner confirmed that not only is he committed to staying with the Oilers but he is happy with his role and time with the team so far. I'm committed to being here, Skinner said. I'm happy to be an Oiler. This likely shuts down all trade speculation surrounding Skinner unless something drastic happens as he has a no-trade clause and would have to approve any trades away from the team. With Skinner hoping to break the longest playoff drought by any active player in the NHL and the Oilers on pace to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs there are likely very few places Skinner would be willing to leave Edmonton for. Skinner followed up his comments regarding his future with the Oilers by scoring a goal in today's game against his former team the Buffalo Sabres as he tries to work his way back up the lineup. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1883268966329577765'> </a></blockquote></div> As the NHL Trade Deadline approaches the Oilers will be active but it seems like at least at this point Skinner will not be involved in any of the deals the team makes. As more details come out regarding the Oilers trade deadline plans we will bring you all the latest news.