Fourier
Registered User
Lots of Americans have enjoyed playing in Edmonton. American or not, it also tends to be a city that young players enjoy a lot and tend to want to stay. It is the older players, particularly those with wives and families that tend to want to go to the warm places where there is more of a "rich and famous" life-style potential.You may need some reading comprehension classes if you think the phrase, "Edmonton is not an undesirable place to play." is the exact opposite of, "All Americans hate it here."
I'm pretty sure Yamo likes it here and plans on re-signing. I gather that quick fact will lead you to now move the goal posts on your bolded statement.
A guy like Hyman for example just does not seem to fit that mold despite his background. He's not American of course, but he comes from money and has lived in a much bigger city. You could have expected him to look at California or Florida. But he seemed focused on Edmonton because the hockey related opportunity and atmosphere is so good.
It would be harder to do in hockey and in Edmonton, but the Blue Jays have shown that providing the right environment can overcome some of the natural barriers. McDavid and Draisaitl are significant draws.