NHL anonymous poll reveals players true thoughts on Edmonton Oilers organization
NHL players were anonymously polled recently to give their thoughts on a number of issues, highlighting how positively the league currently views the Oilers organization.
Earlier this season GM Stan Bowman revealed that players had contacted him to say that Edmonton was coming off their no-trade list, a report that was reflected by this new player poll.
Edmonton Oilers gets respect from NHL Players in new anonymous player poll
The Athletic polled a sample of 82 NHL players for their opinion survey, and two factors stood out as major positives for the Edmonton Oilers. No-trade lists, and arena facilities.
Stan Bowman's comments must have been accurate, because not one player named the Oilers as their top team for a no-trade list. Other northern Canadian teams, like the Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames, were both on the list.
Despite the Oilers facing the same disadvantages of cold weather and taxes, the winning environment and draw to play with elite talent seems to exempt Edmonton from the no-trade problem. Players are very open and willing to come to Edmonton for a chance to win.
No NHL players name Oilers as top no-trade team, rank Rogers Place among top arenas
Secondly, the Oilers world class arena in Rogers Place is often appreciated by Edmonton fans and cited as a tough building to play in - but even opponents respect the brand new facilities.
Opened in October 2016, it's still one of the NHL's newer arenas, and is regarded as the third best in the NHL for visiting teams. Only the Detroit Red Wings and Seattle Kraken top Edmonton.
Plenty of credit is due to Oilers owner Daryl Katz for the vision and execution of Rogers Place and the Ice District, but the real credit goes to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl shaping a perennial contender that's attractive to any NHL player.
After Oilers fans endured the famous Decade of Darkness, it's an unbelievable feeling to be the class of the NHL across the board. The Edmonton Oilers are surging in success, on and off the ice.
