The city itself is not that great compared to other hockey cities! If they did a poll of all NHL cities for most desirable places to live I bet Edmonton would be bottom half!
Minneapolis, Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg are kinda in the same group of smaller sized cities with a hardcore hockey fanbase. Good places to be if your focus is on hockey, team is winning, if you are a local boy, career 2nd chance, or otherwise find comfort in this type of city (e.g. some Scandinavians from smaller cities and cold climates comment "it's kind of like home for me").
That being said US East Coast, California, Toronto, and Florida are definitely more happening places for a young millionaire to live no doubt. Just look on most player ig when they're on a road trip to California.
I personally think if you sign a big contract and take on the C your experience is what you make of it. All things considered Connor is doing great in Edmonton. That being said I guess he will go to another team at some point... these teams I listed pretty much NEVER keep the big stars. Even Jarome Iginla bailed on Calgary in his twilight.