After Meeting with Edmonton, I Realized This Was Exactly Where I Wanted to Be—It Checked Every Box.
I met with Edmonton, and I knew right away—this was the place I wanted to be. It checked every box for me. Those words might sound simple on the surface, but they carry the weight of months, if not years, of decision-making, personal reflection, and ambition. Choosing where to continue your career isn’t something you take lightly, especially in professional sports. It’s not just about signing a contract. It’s about committing to a culture, a locker room, a city, and an identity. For me, Edmonton represented all of that and more.
There’s something about walking into a room and feeling like you belong before a word is spoken. That was the vibe when I had my meeting with the Oilers. The organization had done its homework. The conversations weren’t just about stats or cap space—they were about fit, leadership, legacy, and the pursuit of something bigger than just individual numbers. From the front office to the coaching staff, everyone seemed aligned in their vision, not just for next season but for the years to come. And they saw me as a part of that vision, not just as a piece, but as someone they truly believed could contribute to what they were building.
The moment I walked into Rogers Place, the energy was tangible. You could feel the pulse of the city through that building. Every inch of the arena whispers a mix of tradition and hunger—tradition because of the legends that have passed through, and hunger because this city is starving for another run at glory. I want to be a part of that. I want to be on the ice when this team turns potential into results. That’s the kind of legacy I want to help create.
There are a lot of factors that go into a decision like this. Some players chase money. Others chase weather. Some are drawn to specific coaches or teammates. For me, it was about purpose. I wanted to be somewhere that felt like home but also challenged me to be better every day. I wanted to be surrounded by guys who breathe hockey, who talk strategy over breakfast, who grind in practice and then still find time to push each other in the gym afterward. Edmonton had that intensity. The guys I met already live that reality. There’s a core here that’s not only talented but driven.
When you look at the Oilers’ roster, it’s hard not to get excited. The talent is undeniable. You have superstars in their prime, younger players who are developing quickly, and veterans who know what it takes to win in this league. I saw a group that has come close and is learning what it takes to get over that final hurdle. I want to be part of that learning curve. I want to battle in those playoff series. I want to be the difference when the game is tied in the third period, when the building is rocking, and every shift could be the one that changes everything.
Beyond the on-ice component, there’s a lifestyle piece that often gets overlooked. Edmonton is a hockey town, and I love that. I want to walk into a coffee shop and see people in Oilers gear. I want to feel that buzz after a big win, to carry the responsibility of representing a city that lives and breathes this game. There’s a passion here that’s hard to describe if you haven’t experienced it firsthand. It’s not just noise; it’s knowledge. These fans know the game, they know the players, and they know when something special is happening. That’s the kind of environment that pushes you to be great.
I’ve played in different cities, worked with different coaches, and shared locker rooms with guys from every corner of the hockey world. All of that experience shapes the kind of player and person you become. And it also sharpens your instincts. So when I say Edmonton checked all the boxes, I’m not just talking about stats or systems. I’m talking about culture, belief, trust, and the kind of foundation that wins are built on. This isn’t a quick fix or a short-term move. This is where I see myself committing to something meaningful.
The conversations I had with management went beyond the typical sales pitch. They were honest, thoughtful, and challenging. They didn’t sugarcoat anything. They talked about where the team had fallen short, where the gaps still exist, and how I could help close those gaps. That level of transparency meant a lot to me. It told me they weren’t just chasing headlines—they were building something real. And they were willing to hold everyone accountable, including themselves. That’s the kind of leadership I respect and want to play for.
As a competitor, you dream of playing meaningful hockey deep into the spring. You dream of Game 7s, of overtimes, of hoisting the Cup while confetti rains down. Edmonton has that potential. But more than that, it has the foundation to make those dreams possible. I didn’t want to just join a good team. I wanted to join a team that was hungry, humble, and honest about the work ahead. That’s what I found here.
It’s also worth mentioning the people behind the scenes—the trainers, the equipment staff, the team operations. Every person I met seemed to care deeply about their role in the organization’s success. That might seem like a small thing, but in this league, the margins are razor-thin. Culture matters. How you treat people matters. And Edmonton showed me that they care about building a winning environment in every corner of the franchise.
I had offers. I had options. That’s not something I say to brag—it’s just part of the reality in this league. There were teams that pitched me hard, teams with great reputations and strong rosters. But at the end of the day, only one city made me feel like I was walking into the right story at the right time. Edmonton wasn’t just offering me a contract. They were offering me a role, a mission, a chance to contribute to something bigger than myself.
This city deserves a winner. The fans have stuck through the ups and downs, through rebuilds and heartbreaks, always coming back, always believing. That loyalty matters. That kind of devotion is rare, and it’s not something I take for granted. I want to repay that faith. I want to give them something to cheer for, not just in October or February, but when the stakes are highest and the lights are brightest.
There’s also something to be said for legacy. Every player, at some point, starts to think about what kind of mark they want to leave on the game. For me, it’s not just about numbers or highlight reels. It’s about impact. It’s about being remembered as someone who helped turn a corner, who brought edge and excellence to a team on the cusp of something special. Edmonton gives me the chance to chase that legacy. It gives me the stage, the teammates, the system, and the support to be the best version of myself.
As I pack my bags and start preparing for training camp, there’s a sense of clarity that I haven’t felt in a long time. I’m not wondering if I made the right call. I’m not second-guessing anything. I’m excited. I’m locked in. And I’m ready to go to work. That’s what Edmonton means to me right now. It’s not just a place. It’s a purpose.
To the fans, I want to say thank you for the welcome. I’ve already felt the warmth, the energy, and the expectation. I embrace all of it. That pressure? That’s a privilege. It means people care. And when people care, it makes winning that much sweeter. I want to earn your trust. I want to wear this jersey with pride. And I want to make you proud to call me one of your own.
So yeah, when I said Edmonton checked all my boxes, I meant it. And now it’s time to prove it. Let’s get to work.
