DONE: Superstar Leon Draisaitl donates entire $12.9 million prize money and sponsorships after finishing second to the Homeless Shelter Initiative. In a heartfelt statement, Leon Draisaitl revealed the deeply personal motivation behind his decision: “I witnessed firsthand the effects of homelessness as a child, and

DONE DEAL: Leon Draisaitl Donates Entire $12.9M in Prize Winnings and Sponsorships to Homeless Shelter Initiative — “I Saw It With My Own Eyes as a Child”

In an extraordinary act of generosity and social commitment, Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl has donated 100% of his recent $12.9 million earnings, including prize money and sponsorships, to a national Homeless Shelter Initiative aimed at transforming housing and rehabilitation access for thousands across Canada.

The donation comes after Draisaitl was awarded the multimillion-dollar sum for finishing second in league MVP voting and securing a series of lucrative off-ice endorsements. Rather than pocket the reward, the 29-year-old forward has chosen to change lives off the ice in a way rarely seen in professional sports.

“I Witnessed It Firsthand” — A Deeply Personal Motivation

In an emotional press release, Draisaitl explained his decision by opening up about his past:

“I witnessed firsthand the effects of homelessness as a child, and those memories have stayed with me. It’s something I’ve carried in my heart for years. I’ve always told myself—if I’m ever in a position to change someone’s situation, I won’t hesitate.”

“This isn’t about charity—it’s about dignity. Everyone deserves a chance, a bed, a meal, and the belief that tomorrow can be better.”

While Draisaitl has long supported local initiatives in Edmonton and his native Germany, this marks the largest and most personal philanthropic move of his career.

The $12.9 million is being divided across three major initiatives:

• $5 million to Hope Housing Canada, an organization building transitional housing across Alberta and British Columbia
• $4.5 million to establish a new Leon Draisaitl Family Resource Center in Edmonton, which will provide shelter, counseling, job training, and addiction services
• $3.4 million to a winter emergency relief fund, funding mobile food banks, warming buses, and emergency motel vouchers across Canada’s most vulnerable regions

Draisaitl is also launching a new nonprofit arm called “Shift Change”, which will work alongside municipalities to address systemic homelessness.

Commissioner Gary Bettman praised the decision as “the most selfless act of player-led philanthropy I’ve seen in decades.”

“Leon Draisaitl just redefined what it means to lead,” said Bettman. “The NHL family stands behind him and his mission to make a lasting impact.”

Teammate Connor McDavid posted:

“Proud doesn’t even cover it. This is leadership at its highest level. Edmonton is lucky to have you, brother.”

Across social media, fans from every corner of the hockey world have voiced admiration. Hashtags like #DraisaitlGivesBack, #12Point9MillionReasons, and #FromIceToHope have surged globally.

The Edmonton Oilers announced they will match up to $1 million in public donations made in the next 30 days to Draisaitl’s causes. In addition, the team is partnering with Rogers Place to host a winter clothing and food drive during the first week of the 2025–26 NHL season.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch called it “an inspiring act that reflects the soul of this franchise.”

Already regarded as one of the greatest German-born players in NHL history, Draisaitl continues to build a legacy that goes beyond stats and trophies. With over 900 career points, multiple All-Star selections, and a Hart Trophy to his name, he’s now entering elite territory off the ice as a humanitarian and role model.

He’s expected to be nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, awarded for leadership and humanitarian contribution, and there is speculation that the NHLPA will honor him with a special recognition at next season’s awards.

In the coming months, Draisaitl will work closely with local governments and nonprofits to oversee the rollout of new shelter sites and community programs. A team of advisors—led by economists, housing advocates, and former shelter residents—will guide the deployment of funds.

Draisaitl has requested no special ceremony, stating only:

“This isn’t about being celebrated. It’s about doing the right thing while I still have the platform to do it.”

In a world where athletes are often celebrated for what they do with a puck, Leon Draisaitl is making headlines for what he’s done without one.

By turning a personal memory into a public mission, he’s not just donating dollars—he’s giving hope, restoring dignity, and changing the course of countless lives.