Elliotte Friedman just exposed the harsh truth about Edmonton

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Skyler Walker
November 21, 2023 (9:59)

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The Challenge of Attracting NHL Stars to Edmonton: Insights from Friedman

In the realm of luring elite free agents to the National Hockey League, Edmonton grapples with well-known obstacles. A key chapter in this struggle is the Chris Pronger saga, offering a vivid illustration of the hurdles faced by the Oilers.

Engage the typical Oilers fan in a conversation about Chris Pronger, and the narrative often centers on his brief tenure in Edmonton. Despite a stellar playoff performance crowned with the Conn Smythe Trophy, Pronger's one-season stint concluded abruptly. The ending? A trade demand, fueled by his wife's discontent with Edmonton living. This move catapulted Pronger to the Anaheim Ducks, contributing to their subsequent Stanley Cup win.

Edmonton's challenge extends beyond Pronger's episode, involving the uninviting winters of northern Alberta and a nightlife deficit compared to glamorous alternatives like Los Angeles, Florida, New York, and Las Vegas. The avenues for attracting premier free agents beyond drafts or trades remain limited.

Elliotte Friedman delves into these challenges, underscoring the impact of no-trade clauses and the Oilers' current struggles on recruitment endeavours. Don't forget, the lovely tax in Canadian and conversion rates are awful.

"There are no-trade clauses here, and Edmonton isn't winning right now,"

Friedman highlights, spotlighting the team's in a bad spot as many players have no-trade clauses on the Oilers.

Recent surveys position Edmonton among the NHL's three least desirable cities for road games, alongside Winnipeg and Buffalo. Echoing the sentiment of peers, one anonymous player voiced his opinion:

''I feel like we always play Edmonton in the middle of winter and it sucks.''

Said the player.

''Friedman mentions that players have NTC these days, and Edmonton is not a desirable place for many players which makes it that much harder. Oilers were really hoping Campbell would go down to the AHL and rediscover his game, that's not happening right now.''

While the idea of playing alongside standout talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl is typically compelling, Edmonton's ongoing season hardships compound the difficulties of attracting free agents and bigger names, that aren't already drafted by Edmonton.