from Chris Johnston of Sportsnet,

To truly appreciate how far Justin Schultz has come in the last three months you have to reflect back on how uncomfortable his life became in Edmonton.

Mistakes compounded as his confidence slipped. Fans began booing him mercilessly at Rexall Place as another Oilers season slid down the drain. The once-prized free-agent signing became a scapegoat for those looking to air their frustrations.

No wonder the Feb. 27 trade that brought him to Pittsburgh was such a welcome change. Reflecting back on it now, he calls it a “second chance.”

“My confidence was pretty low near the end of my time in Edmonton,” said Schultz. ”(The trade) just gave me more confidence; even before I played a game I got more confidence just being in a new environment. I have nothing against Edmonton, I enjoyed my time there.

“But sometimes players need a change of scenery and I think that this has helped me.”

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