The Oilers had finalized a deal with Draisaitl but chose to delay the announcement out of respect following Gaudreau's passing.
The Edmonton Oilers and Leon Draisaitl signed a new long-term contract extension, keeping Draisaitl in Edmonton for the next nine seasons. It was a deal that was announced on Tuesday but was essentially completed days ago.
But, because of the tragic news of Johnny Gaudreau's death (along with his brother Matthew), the Oilers and Draisaitl waited.
Andy Strickland reports:
-"The contract was between Draisaitl and the Oilers was agreed to late last week but in light of the recent tragedy and with respect to all involved a decision was made to release the news today…rightfully so."
Both the Oilers and Draisaitl showed great respect by delaying the announcement of the deal, given how difficult the news of Gaudreau's passing has been for NHL fans.
In Calgary, where fans have remembered Gaudreau with all kinds of keepsakes, messages, and items that are a reminder of the former Flames star, it would have been incredibly hard to fathom the idea of the Oilers -- the Flames Alberta and division rival -- posting such positive news at the same time Calgarians were mourning.
The pain of Gaudreau's death doesn't go away, and perhaps there is no right time when trying to show respect amid a great loss to make an announcement like the Oilers made on Tuesday. However, the gesture won't go unnoticed by fans and the rest of the league. It was the right thing to do to wait, even if just for a few days, to share that Draisaitl was going to be an Oiler for the foreseeable future.