Breaking: Edmonton Oilers #29 and left wing Leon Draisaitl donates $7.5 million to turn a house in downtown Edmonton into a shelter for the homeless as a token of gratitude

On Saturday morning, Edmonton was treated to a news story as heartfelt as it was unexpected. Leon Draisaitl, the Edmonton Oilers’ All-Star forward and one of the most celebrated players in the National Hockey League, announced he is donating a staggering $7.5 million to convert a historic downtown Edmonton property into a permanent homeless shelter. Draisaitl, who wears the #29 jersey and has long been beloved by fans for his gritty style and quiet leadership, called the donation a “token of gratitude” to the city he now calls home.

The announcement came at a press conference held outside the future shelter site on 103 Street and 96 Avenue, just blocks away from Rogers Place, where Draisaitl has dazzled hockey fans since 2014. Draisaitl, flanked by Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, Oilers officials, and representatives from local non-profits, spoke humbly as he explained the motivation behind his monumental gift.

“This city has given me everything,” said Draisaitl. “The fans, the community, the opportunity to play the sport I love at the highest level. I wanted to do something meaningful—something that lasts longer than a season or a career.”

He went on to describe his growing concern about Edmonton’s homelessness crisis, something he says he sees on his daily commute to the arena.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Draisaitl said. “You walk past people sleeping in the cold and it doesn’t sit right. It’s easy to think that someone else will take care of it. I realized that maybe I could be part of the solution.”

The building Draisaitl purchased was previously a private family home, a century-old two-story structure known for its brick exterior and historic significance. It had been on the market for over a year and was reportedly scheduled for demolition. With his donation, Draisaitl not only saved the building from destruction but is now ensuring it will serve the community in a way few could have envisioned.

According to architects involved in the project, the building will be transformed into a 20-bed transitional shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness, complete with full-time staff, mental health services, addiction recovery support, and a commercial kitchen that will serve daily meals.

The shelter, which will be named “The 29 Haven” in tribute to Draisaitl’s jersey number and commitment to compassion, is set to open its doors in early 2026.

Draisaitl’s gift comes at a time when Edmonton is facing one of the most serious homelessness crises in its history. According to the Edmonton Homeless Count released in March 2025, more than 3,200 individuals are currently experiencing homelessness in the city. Of those, 35% are Indigenous, and many suffer from chronic mental health or substance abuse issues.

Public shelters remain overwhelmed, and long-term affordable housing remains in short supply. Organizations like Boyle Street Community Services, Hope Mission, and the Bissell Centre have all issued public pleas for more support.

“This donation is unprecedented,” said Jordan Reiniger, Executive Director of Boyle Street Community Services. “We’ve seen players donate money to youth hockey or local hospitals—and those are incredible gifts—but for someone of Leon’s stature to make such a direct impact on homelessness? That’s something we’ve never seen.”

For Draisaitl, the decision was deeply personal.

Born in Cologne, Germany, to a professional hockey-playing father, Draisaitl knows the value of hard work and community support. He’s often credited his parents, Peter and Sandra, with instilling in him a sense of responsibility and humility that belies his $8.5 million annual salary and international fame.

“Leon’s always been low-key about his charitable work,” said Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch. “He doesn’t do it for the attention. He genuinely cares.”

Sources close to the team say that Draisaitl had been considering a major philanthropic initiative since signing his current eight-year deal in 2017. Initially, he had leaned toward funding youth sports programs or creating scholarships. But a visit to a downtown encampment late last year changed his thinking.

“He spent over two hours just talking to people,” said a member of the Oilers community relations team. “No cameras, no fanfare. He left that day visibly shaken and came back the next morning asking how he could help.”

At just 29 years old, Draisaitl already has a resume that secures his place in the hockey pantheon: Hart Trophy winner, Art Ross Trophy winner, three-time All-Star, and cornerstone of one of the league’s most potent offenses alongside Connor McDavid. But this act of giving may come to define his legacy in a way goals and assists never could.

“This is leadership,” said Mayor Sohi. “Not just the kind you show in the locker room, but in the real world where it’s most needed.”

Social media was flooded with praise shortly after the announcement, with fans, journalists, and fellow players alike applauding Draisaitl’s compassion.

Connor McDavid, Draisaitl’s longtime teammate and friend, posted:

“Proud doesn’t begin to describe it. This is the kind of teammate and person Leon is. Edmonton’s lucky to have him—and so am I.”

Wayne Gretzky also chimed in with a brief but powerful statement:

“Leon’s heart is as big as his talent. That’s saying something.”

Construction on The 29 Haven is set to begin this summer. In addition to the $7.5 million gift, Draisaitl has also committed to covering all operating costs for the shelter’s first three years. Local firms have offered pro bono services for design and construction, and several non-profit organizations are expected to manage day-to-day operations once the shelter opens.

The project’s long-term goal is not just to provide beds but to help individuals transition into stable, permanent housing. Residents will receive case management, life skills coaching, access to job training, and medical care.

“We’re not just putting a roof over people’s heads,” Draisaitl said. “We’re trying to give them the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives.”

Draisaitl also said he hopes this initiative will inspire others in the sports world to look beyond traditional charity and engage directly with the communities in need.

“We can all do something,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be $7.5 million. It can be your time, your voice, or your energy. Just don’t look away.”

Outside Rogers Place, fans of all ages gathered after the news broke. One held a handmade sign that read, “More than a player. A hero.” Others shared stories about how Draisaitl had quietly visited children’s hospitals or donated anonymously to food drives during the pandemic.

“He’s always been a quiet star,” said longtime Oilers fan Shirley Jenkins, 64. “Now we see just how bright he really shines.”

In a statement released Saturday afternoon, the NHL commended Draisaitl for his “unprecedented generosity and leadership,” saying his actions “set a new standard for what it means to be an athlete and a citizen.”

Local Indigenous leaders also offered praise, noting that a significant percentage of Edmonton’s unhoused population comes from Indigenous communities disproportionately impacted by colonial policies.

“This is an act of reconciliation through action,” said Chief Billy Morin of the Enoch Cree Nation. “It’s not just generous—it’s transformative.”

Draisaitl insisted he’s not looking for accolades or awards.

“Honestly, I just want to help,” he said. “That’s it.”

But the impact of his gift is undeniable. In a league and a world where wealth often remains in private circles, Draisaitl’s decision to share his good fortune so boldly stands as a rare and noble act.

As Edmonton continues to battle the twin crises of housing and affordability, “The 29 Haven” could become a model not just for Alberta, but for cities across North America.