Edmonton Oilers make a classy decision amidst Leon Draisaitl extension announcement

On Tuesday, the Oilers confirmed a monumental eight-year, $14 million AAV extension for Leon Draisaitl. While the deal dominated headlines, the real story is how Edmonton handled the timing of the announcement.

According to Andy Strickland, the extension had been finalized last week, but the Oilers chose to delay the official word due to the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau.

Gaudreau, a longtime rival who spent years with the Calgary Flames, passed away recently. The Oilers, recognizing the weight of the loss, opted to give the Gaudreau family, the Flames, and the wider NHL community space to grieve without any distractions. This act of respect will certainly not go unnoticed throughout the league.

The unity between the Oilers and Flames during this difficult time has shown that even the fiercest of competitors can come together when it matters most. As Strickland noted, the Oilers could have made the announcement earlier, but the decision to wait illustrates the solidarity of the hockey world. It's these moments that transcend rivalries and remind us that the community comes first.

In a sport where tensions can run high, it's refreshing to see such a compassionate move by Edmonton. The Oilers' thoughtfulness speaks volumes about the organization's character, and the ripple effect of this act will likely be felt across the NHL.

Source:
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