July 7, 2025 – Edmonton, Alberta
In an extraordinary act of generosity, Edmonton Oilers forward and NHL superstar Leon Draisaitl has donated his entire $12.9 million earnings from prize money and sponsorships after finishing second in the league’s postseason MVP voting to support homeless shelters across North America.
In a deeply emotional statement released earlier today, Draisaitl explained the personal significance behind his decision:
“I witnessed firsthand the effects of homelessness as a child in Germany. My family wasn’t wealthy, and I saw neighbors and people I cared about go through very dark times. I made a promise to myself — if I ever had the platform and resources, I would do something meaningful. This is that moment.”
A Gesture That Transcends Sports
Draisaitl’s $12.9 million contribution is believed to be the largest single-year charitable donation ever made by a professional hockey player. The money will be divided among several organizations under a new umbrella initiative titled “The Shelter Forward Project”, aimed at expanding emergency housing, mental health services, addiction recovery support, and transitional housing programs in both Canada and the U.S.
Initial reports indicate that more than 25 major cities — including Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, Chicago, and Los Angeles — will receive funds to enhance local infrastructure to support people living without secure housing.
Reaction from the Hockey World and Beyond
The announcement has sent shockwaves throughout the sports world and earned praise from fellow players, celebrities, and fans.
Connor McDavid, Draisaitl’s longtime teammate, said in a press conference:
“We all knew Leon had a big heart, but this… this is next level. It’s inspiring. He’s using his success for something that truly matters, and I couldn’t be prouder to call him a friend and teammate.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement commending Draisaitl’s donation, calling it “a defining moment of compassion and leadership not just for hockey, but for professional sports as a whole.”
A Long-Term Commitment
Sources close to Draisaitl say he is personally involved in the development of the initiative. He has already visited shelters in Edmonton and Toronto and is scheduled to tour several U.S. cities this summer to meet with community leaders and shelter residents.
Draisaitl emphasized that this donation is not a one-time gesture, but part of an ongoing commitment:
“This isn’t about headlines. It’s about people. No one should be sleeping on concrete. No child should be scared of not having a place to call home. If I can make even a small dent in that reality, then it’s worth everything.”
Fans Moved to Tears
Social media erupted with emotional tributes, with hashtags like #LeonGivesBack and #ShelterForward trending within minutes of the announcement. Thousands of fans shared personal stories of homelessness or housing insecurity, many crediting Draisaitl for raising awareness on an often-overlooked issue.
One Twitter user wrote:
“He didn’t just skate for a trophy — he played for humanity. Thank you, Leon.”
As Leon Draisaitl heads into the offseason, his legacy on the ice remains intact. But with this bold, compassionate move, it’s clear he’s already made his most impactful play yet — off the ice, and straight from the heart.
