Russian Anaheim defender Ilya Lyubushkin has put together his personal ranking of the best places to live in the United States. The list and his thoughts were shared with Sports Express, highlighting how climate, scenery, and daily life shape a player’s comfort off the ice as much as on it.
Lyubushkin explained that he would likely place Arizona in third and California in second on his list. He described the Arizona climate as extremely hot and dry, making it less suitable for his family’s needs. He noted that he began experiencing allergies after years without them, a reaction he hadn’t anticipated when weighing where to call home. When it comes to his top choice, Buffalo, he recalled a sense of living in a remote, forested area that brought him remarkable peace of mind and a rare feeling of solitude surrounded by nature.
Since joining the Anaheim Ducks in August 2023, Lyubushkin has been a steady presence on the blue line. The Russian defenseman has also competed in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Arizona Coyotes, accumulating a breadth of league experience in major markets across North America. His career arc reflects a player who values not just on-ice performance but the personal balance that a city can offer during long seasons away from home.
In the current season, the 29-year-old defender has appeared in 46 NHL games, contributing four assists. Anaheim sits mid-pack in the Western Conference standings, placing 14th out of 16 teams with 34 points after 48 games. The Ducks are preparing for their upcoming matchup against Minnesota, scheduled for January 28, a contest that will test their depth and cohesion as they push toward the playoff stretch. Lyubushkin’s role has been to provide reliable minutes, seasoned decision‑making, and a steady presence on a team undergoing strategic shifts to maximize its competitiveness.
Lyubushkin’s broader reputation in the league extends beyond his on-ice duties. He has been recognized for his poise under pressure and his ability to translate his defensive skills into trusted contributions across multiple organizations. His reflections about living environments shed light on how professional athletes assess quality of life factors, from climate and air quality to proximity to cultural amenities and natural surroundings. These considerations often influence where players choose to settle during off-season periods or long-term contracts, underscoring the human side of a sport that is frequently framed by statistics and highlight reels.
As a member of an NHL club that travels extensively, Lyubushkin’s remarks also resonate with fans who weigh similar questions about residency and lifestyle choices. The dialogue around where players live can affect fan engagement, local economies, and the support networks that help teams sustain consistency through a grueling schedule. His candid perspective provides a rare glimpse into how a European-born athlete navigates life in North American cities, balancing the demands of professional hockey with the nuances of everyday living.
In sum, Lyubushkin’s ranking offers more than a personal preference list. It invites a broader conversation about what makes a city livable for elite athletes and their families, where climate, nature, and tranquility can complement the intensity of a demanding sport. His experiences across different NHL markets contribute to a nuanced understanding of how location choice intersects with career longevity, personal well-being, and team dynamics. The discussion continues as fans and analysts explore how such considerations influence player decisions, team strategies, and the cultural fabric of the league. (Sports Express)