The Edmonton Oilers just received another reminder of how players across the league view them. A new preseason poll of NHL players revealed where skaters would most like to be traded, and the Oilers weren’t on the list at all.
That absence, while not entirely shocking, is another signal that Edmonton’s reputation as a tough sell hasn’t disappeared.
Why Are the Edmonton Oilers Still Struggling to Attract Players?
The survey, conducted by The Athletic during NHL media tours in Milan and Las Vegas, asked dozens of players about trade destinations, contracts, and the future face of the league. Florida, Dallas, Vegas, and New York topped the list of preferred destinations. The Oilers, however, were nowhere to be found.
For a team boasting Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, two of the game’s biggest stars, the result stands out. It highlights an uncomfortable truth that star power doesn’t guarantee Edmonton will be viewed as a desirable landing spot.
NHL player poll: What they love in the new CBA (no dress code, fitness testing) and what they don’t https://t.co/LCCbiAgdwH
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) September 18, 2025
The results echo a storyline that has followed the Oilers for more than a decade. Reports dating back to 2015 suggested Edmonton was at or near the top of the list of “least desired” cities among players. Harsh winters, limited lifestyle perks compared to coastal markets, and the pressure of playing in a Canadian hockey hotbed all factored into those rankings.
In 2023, insider Elliotte Friedman noted that Edmonton was still running into resistance when trying to make trades, with players holding firm on no-trade clauses. That made the job of then-GM Ken Holland more complicated as the team searched for ways to improve.
There was a shift in tone in 2024 when some agents told Friedman their clients were willing to remove Edmonton from no-trade lists. The Oilers’ playoff runs that year, powered by McDavid, seemed to help change perceptions. But this year’s poll shows the franchise still lags behind teams seen as more glamorous or stable destinations.
Why Winning Still Matters Most
If there is one common theme, it’s winning. The Florida Panthers topped this year’s poll, coming off back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. Players pointed to culture, lifestyle, and tax advantages, but ultimately, success drove their interest.
That’s where the Oilers’ challenge lies. Despite strong playoff runs in recent seasons, Edmonton has struggled with consistency. Long losing stretches and roster turnover continue to make the market less attractive than places with clearer championship windows.
The poll results don’t mean players refuse to play in Edmonton. Zach Hyman, for instance, chose the Oilers in free agency and has thrived alongside McDavid. Still, when players are asked where they want to go, Edmonton remains off the radar.
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That reality underscores the Oilers’ long-standing dilemma. They have generational talent, but still face an uphill climb to make Edmonton a preferred destination.
Until the franchise can string together championships, or at least deep playoff consistency, perception may remain its toughest opponent.
