“Edmonton’s Reputation Undeserved? — Former Oilers Goalie Devan Dubnyk Says Players Actually Enjoy Playing There”
There has always been chatter around the NHL when it comes to cities that players dread or embrace, and unfortunately for Edmonton, it often finds itself unfairly lumped into the former category. Yet when those who have actually worn the jersey and lived the experience speak, a different narrative emerges—one filled with respect, fond memories, and even admiration. Former Oilers goaltender Devan Dubnyk, who spent the formative years of his NHL career in Edmonton, recently stepped forward to shed light on what it’s truly like to play in the Alberta capital. In doing so, he dismissed the popular notion that Edmonton is a bleak destination for professional hockey players and instead painted a picture of a passionate hockey haven where athletes are not only welcomed, but embraced.
Dubnyk’s perspective is valuable for several reasons. First, he didn’t merely pass through Edmonton; he was drafted by the organization and spent the better part of five seasons there, enduring both the struggles and the growing pains of a team in transition. His insights come from experience—not hearsay—and reflect the unique dynamics of a hockey city where the game is a way of life. According to Dubnyk, there is a misrepresentation of Edmonton among fans and media alike, where its cold climate and relative geographical isolation often overshadow what truly matters to players: support, culture, and a deep love for the sport.
The former goalie’s recent comments came as part of a broader discussion about market reputations in the NHL. When asked about Edmonton’s supposed shortcomings as a destination, Dubnyk was quick to challenge the narrative. He acknowledged that yes, it’s cold, and yes, it’s not as flashy as some of the American cities players might flock to for offseason fun. But what it lacks in tropical weather and nightlife, it more than makes up for in its commitment to hockey and the unshakeable support of its fans.
Dubnyk emphasized that the hockey environment in Edmonton is second to none. He described a culture where the sport permeates every corner of the city, where the media coverage is extensive, and the fan base is both knowledgeable and intensely loyal. For a hockey player whose passion is to play in front of people who care deeply about the game, it’s hard to ask for more. In Edmonton, you’re not just another athlete—you’re part of something larger, something deeply entrenched in the city’s identity.
His comments are particularly timely considering the recent resurgence of the Oilers as a top-tier contender in the NHL. Led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers have brought back a sense of optimism and excitement not seen since the glory days of Gretzky and Messier. As the team advances deeper into the playoffs and re-establishes itself as a legitimate Stanley Cup threat, more players are getting the opportunity to see firsthand what Dubnyk experienced years ago—a city united by its love for hockey, willing to rally behind a group of players chasing greatness.
It’s also worth noting that Dubnyk isn’t alone in his views. Several other former and current Oilers have echoed similar sentiments over the years. Players like Ryan Smyth, Kevin Lowe, and even Connor McDavid himself have gone on record praising the city’s commitment to its team. The Oilers’ dressing room has long been known as a tight-knit environment, filled with character, camaraderie, and a shared understanding of what it means to wear the Oilers crest. That kind of atmosphere can’t be fabricated—it grows organically from a city and a fan base that live and breathe hockey.
Critics of Edmonton often point to the weather, citing its harsh winters as a deterrent for players with young families or offseason preferences for beach climates. But Dubnyk challenged even that assumption. He pointed out that players live comfortably in modern, family-friendly neighborhoods, many just minutes from the arena. The community is safe, schools are excellent, and there’s a strong support network within the organization for players and their families. In short, the quality of life isn’t nearly as bad as some detractors claim—it’s just different.
In fact, the sense of community that Edmonton fosters is something that many players come to appreciate deeply. The smaller market allows for stronger relationships with fans and local businesses, creating a feeling of rootedness that larger, more anonymous cities often lack. When players step onto the ice at Rogers Place, they aren’t just performing for spectators—they’re representing their neighbors, their baristas, their children’s teachers. That personal connection adds meaning to every shift, every save, and every goal.
Dubnyk’s willingness to speak candidly about his time in Edmonton also underscores a broader issue in professional sports: the tendency for narratives to be shaped by those who’ve never actually played in certain markets. While agents and analysts might be quick to steer clients toward glamorous destinations, they often overlook the intangible benefits of cities like Edmonton—places where players can focus on the game, raise families in peace, and become part of a city’s fabric. The recent success of the Oilers is helping shift that perception, slowly but surely, and testimonials like Dubnyk’s go a long way in furthering that cause.
The goaltender also made it clear that Edmonton’s front office and organizational culture played a huge role in how players feel about being there. Even during lean years when the team struggled to win consistently, Dubnyk recalled a sense of professionalism and purpose within the organization. From training staff to management, everyone was invested in building a winner. That kind of collective commitment fosters an environment where players want to stay, grow, and succeed—not just pass through.
When the Oilers began to turn the corner in the mid-2010s, that foundation of loyalty and belief became evident. Free agents began considering Edmonton not as a last resort, but as a legitimate opportunity. Trade acquisitions expressed excitement about joining a team with serious championship aspirations. And with a new state-of-the-art arena and improved facilities, the Oilers were no longer a team clinging to past glories—they were a franchise ready to forge a new legacy.
Devan Dubnyk’s comments also act as a reminder that player experiences are nuanced. What one player may see as a disadvantage, another might see as a unique strength. Some may want palm trees and nightlife, while others crave purpose, stability, and a chance to be part of something meaningful. Edmonton, for all its icy wind and shorter daylight hours, offers the latter in spades. And for players like Dubnyk, that’s not just enough—it’s everything.
His career, which went on to include strong seasons in Minnesota and a Vezina Trophy finalist nod, remains closely tied to the early years in Edmonton. That’s where he cut his teeth, learned the mental toughness required to weather both goals against and public criticism, and developed the habits that would carry him through a decade-plus career in the NHL. He credits Edmonton not just for giving him a shot, but for giving him the environment to truly learn what it takes to be a pro.
As the Oilers continue their rise and chase the elusive Stanley Cup once again, the city’s profile is undergoing a transformation. Players are beginning to see what Dubnyk always knew—Edmonton may not be the glitziest stop on the NHL tour, but it’s one of the most authentic. Its passion, its history, its people, and its sheer love for the game combine to create a hockey experience unlike any other. That’s not something you can capture in weather reports or travel brochures—it’s something you have to live to understand.
So the next time someone scoffs at the idea of playing in Edmonton, remember Devan Dubnyk’s words. Remember the joy in his voice when he talks about the city. Remember the fans who fill Rogers Place to the rafters. And remember that for every detractor pointing at the cold, there’s a player who knows the warmth of being welcomed into a true hockey home.
