They did, and he actually took a pay cut to give them cap flexibility...and he continues to rave about both the club and the city. He's locked in for long time yet.
As for the Jets, they've done the risky thing by building around Americans, but *SO FAR* it's worked out okay, as they've been able to re-sign guys like Conner and Hellebuyck, when their contracts came due.
I think this whole thing is more about Gaudreau and his relationship with Calgary, and to a lesser extent about Americans playing in Canada........ rather than about superstars and small markets.