Gameplay Deep Dive Postponed

But why? 

Johnny Gaudreau and his brother passed away in an accident. 

I think they were asking why they were delaying the video release. I understand being respectful of the family, but to be fair this video drop doesnt effect the family in any way, unless of course he was in it somewhere, then def the right move.

Because it's the respectful thing to do? Wouldn't be a good look to be like, "Our condolences are with the Geaudreau family in this difficult time. Remember to pre-order NHL 25!"

Just best to postpone the gameplay deep dive and let the Geaudreau news take center stage.

I know it's very early, and I think the family should give approval regarding if it should be done or not, but can consideration be given to having Johnny Gaudreau on the cover for EA NHL? I know there have been similar ideas from the community over the years (Colby Cave for NHL 21 comes to mind), and while the loss of their lives are just as tragic, it's understandable that a 5 point 4th liner would not be a cover athlete. Gaudreau on the other hand, has proven to have been an elite player, with his peak being the 21-22 season with 115 points and setting franchise records. He was worthy of the cover then (compared to Auston Matthew's second appearance for the NHL 22 cover), and in retrospect, it probably would've been the best time.

I think the Hughes are elite players too that deserve to be on the cover, and hopefully will have many more great seasons to come, but Gaudreau has proved that he deserves a spot on the cover. It even fits well with the different US/Canada covers EA was planning (Columbus Blue Jackets for the US release, and Calgary Flames for the Canada release).

Again, I know this is very early, and I don't think any changes should be made rashly, especially without consideration or approval from the family, but at the very least I think it is worth of consideration. Condolences to the Gaudreau family and all the lives Johnny and Matthew touched. They will be dearly missed.

I mean they lost both of their sons. I think approval for a video game would he the last thing the family would be concerned with

Not to mention think about it from all of the content creators and media managers and places like Hockey News. They would then have to post it on their media platforms because of their conditions being a part of the content teams and it would just be a bad look for today for that and very difficult for these creators to do mentally even.

Absolutely, they have so much going on, and again, it shouldn't be a rushed decision. Regardless if it's for NHL 25 or 26, I believe the family should have the final say about how they want him to be remembered.

I like the sentiment behind this idea. That being said, trying for this year's cover would be absurd, not enough time to put together the proper paperwork, dealing with legal issues and dealing with the family at a time when they want to focus on other things, as well as wasting all the effort involved in already having the well-deserving Hughes family on the cover. Next year, might be cool though, an In Memory Of Cover. 

This would seem like one of those crass comments that show very little respect for a life lost. SummerOfDekes is correct that it would be weird to recognize 2 lives lost by promoting a product. We can be patient and wait until next week for information on a GAME