Former Oilers goalie Devan Dubnyk defends Edmonton, saying players actually enjoy playing there despite the city’s often unfair reputation.

Edmonton has long carried a reputation—some fair, much exaggerated—as one of the tougher NHL cities to play in due to its cold winters, limited nightlife compared to bigger U.S. markets, and a media and fanbase that demands a lot from its players. But former Oilers goaltender Devan Dubnyk is pushing back against that narrative.

According to Dubnyk, who spent nearly a decade in the Oilers organization after being drafted 14th overall in 2004, the truth about Edmonton is far different than what the critics claim. In fact, he says many NHL players like playing there—and even come to love it.

“I think people on the outside don’t really understand the culture in Edmonton,” Dubnyk said during a recent podcast appearance. “They hear the jokes, they hear the media talk about the weather or the small market, but they don’t get what it’s really like to be part of that community.”

Let’s take a closer look at what Dubnyk means—and how his defense of Edmonton is helping reshape the city’s reputation across the NHL landscape.

The Reputation: More Myth Than Reality?

When casual fans think of NHL cities, destinations like Los Angeles, New York, or Las Vegas often come to mind first—places with warm weather, flashy venues, and large media markets. By contrast, Edmonton is often portrayed as remote, dark, and frigid. For years, it’s been a popular target in hockey circles as a less-than-desirable place to play.

Yet, much of that is based on perception rather than reality, according to Dubnyk. While acknowledging that the winters are “definitely Canadian,” he emphasized that most professional players are used to those conditions—and that Edmonton offers so much more beneath the surface.

“Sure, it’s cold. But you’re not walking a mile to practice. You’re driving from your heated garage to a world-class arena,” Dubnyk explained. “The city takes care of its players, and the organization has come a long way in how it supports the team.”

What Players Actually Experience in Edmonton

What Dubnyk wants fans to know is that the Edmonton experience for players is built on three core pillars: passionate fans, a close-knit community, and a deep love for the sport.

“Edmonton is a hockey city in every sense of the word,” he said. “When you go to a restaurant or a grocery store, people know who you are—but it’s not invasive. It’s a respectful, hockey-savvy population that genuinely cares.”

That sense of community matters, especially for young players trying to find their footing in the NHL. Dubnyk pointed out that in Edmonton, rookies don’t feel like afterthoughts—they’re embraced, supported, and given a platform to grow both personally and professionally.

“There’s pressure, sure,” he said. “But it’s the kind of pressure you want as a competitor. You know people are watching and care. That means something.”

The McDavid Factor: Changing the Narrative

Another major shift in how Edmonton is viewed among NHL circles came with the arrival of Connor McDavid in 2015. As arguably the best player in the world, McDavid has made Edmonton a marquee destination again, both for fans and potential teammates.

“When Connor got there, everything changed,” Dubnyk said. “Now, instead of asking ‘why would you go to Edmonton?’, people are asking ‘how do I get to play with McDavid?’ That’s a massive cultural shift.”

And it’s not just about McDavid’s talent—it’s about the organization’s new commitment to building a contender. The team’s playoff runs over the past few years have reignited interest in the Oilers, and Dubnyk says that’s helped peel back many of the outdated assumptions about the city.

“You walk into Rogers Place now, and it’s one of the best facilities in the league,” he noted. “The amenities, the locker rooms, the training facilities—it’s top-tier. That’s not what people think of when they hear ‘Edmonton,’ but it’s the reality.”

Community Roots and Lasting Relationships

For Dubnyk and many others who’ve worn the Oilers crest, the relationships built in Edmonton last long after the final whistle. Whether it’s charity work, youth hockey programs, or just everyday life, players become part of the city fabric.

“I met some of the best people I’ve ever known in Edmonton,” Dubnyk said. “People who supported me through the good times and the tough ones. That kind of connection doesn’t happen everywhere.”

He also mentioned how Edmonton is a great place to raise a family. With quality schools, safe neighborhoods, and a genuine sense of community, the city offers a stable environment for players with spouses and children—something that’s often overlooked when evaluating NHL cities.

“Guys with families love it here,” he said. “You can settle down, you’ve got space, and you’re not constantly in the media spotlight like in Toronto or Montreal. It’s a perfect balance.”

Yes, the Weather Is Cold. But So What?

It’s impossible to talk about Edmonton without mentioning the weather. Yes, it gets cold. Yes, winters are long. But for Dubnyk, that criticism is overblown—especially when weighed against all the positives.

“You adapt,” he said. “It’s just part of the lifestyle. If you’re from Canada or the northern U.S., you’re already used to that. And honestly, with how modern everything is now, it’s not that big of a deal.”

Dubnyk pointed out that most of a player’s day involves being at the rink, at home, or traveling—very little of it is spent outdoors in the freezing cold.

“Nobody’s out there snowshoeing to the grocery store,” he said, laughing. “It’s not Little House on the Prairie. It’s a modern, vibrant city.”

Fans That Love and Demand Excellence

One of the most consistent themes in Dubnyk’s comments was his admiration for Oilers fans. Passionate, loyal, and deeply knowledgeable, the Edmonton fanbase is among the NHL’s best—especially when the team is winning.

“Playing in front of those fans when you’re on a run? There’s nothing like it,” Dubnyk recalled. “You can feel the energy in the building, and it drives you.”

But he also acknowledged that with that passion comes pressure. In Edmonton, fans expect effort and accountability—and players are held to a high standard.

“That’s how it should be,” Dubnyk said. “If you don’t want to be held accountable, you’re probably in the wrong business. I always felt like the fans were fair—they wanted results, but they also supported us through thick and thin.”

A New Generation, A New Perspective

As the Oilers continue to evolve into a perennial Stanley Cup contender, the next generation of NHL stars is being introduced to a new version of Edmonton—one that’s focused on innovation, player support, and winning.

The team has invested heavily in sports science, analytics, and off-ice wellness. According to Dubnyk, that effort is making a difference not only in the standings but also in how players view the organization.

“You look at what they’re doing now with training and recovery—it’s world-class,” he said. “The team wants to win, and they’re giving their players every tool possible to succeed.”

Dubnyk’s Message to Today’s Players: Don’t Believe the Hype

To any NHL players considering Edmonton, Dubnyk has a simple message: ignore the stereotypes and experience it for yourself.

“I get it—you hear the stories, you see the memes. But it’s all noise,” he said. “If you care about hockey, about being part of something bigger than yourself, Edmonton is the place.”

He continued: “It’s not just where you play—it’s where you grow, where you bond with teammates, where you build memories that last a lifetime.”

Devan Dubnyk’s defense of Edmonton is more than just a former player waxing nostalgic—it’s a reality check for fans, media, and even current NHL players who may be buying into an outdated narrative.

Is it the flashiest city? No.
Is it the warmest? Definitely not.
But is it a place where players can thrive, compete, and be embraced by a community that lives and breathes hockey?

Absolutely.

And according to Dubnyk, that’s more than enough.

“It’s not for everyone—but if you love the game, if you want to be part of something special—Edmonton will surprise you,” he said. “And more often than not, in the best possible way.”