“SHOCKING MOVE: Leon Draisaitl Announces Sudden Retirement, Vows to Donate Entire $112 Million Contract to Support Oilers’ Youth Development…

In a move that has stunned the hockey world and beyond, Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl has announced his immediate retirement from professional hockey — and in an equally jaw-dropping development, pledged to donate the remaining value of his $112 million contract to youth development programs under the Oilers organization.

At a hastily called press conference at Rogers Place, the 29-year-old forward — widely considered one of the most dominant players of his generation — spoke emotionally about his decision.

“I’ve given everything I have to this game,” Draisaitl said, fighting back tears. “But as I look toward the future, I believe it’s time to give everything I have to the next generation. Hockey gave me a life I could only dream of. Now it’s time to give back.”

A Legacy on Ice

Draisaitl’s decision comes as a profound surprise. The German-born forward, a three-time Art Ross Trophy finalist and Hart Trophy winner in 2020, was coming off another dominant season with the Oilers. Alongside longtime teammate Connor McDavid, he formed one of the most formidable duos in NHL history, helping to carry the Oilers to multiple deep playoff runs and a 2024 Stanley Cup Final appearance.

His retirement immediately halts one of the most lucrative contracts in the NHL — an eight-year, $112 million deal signed in 2022 that still had three years remaining. Instead of walking away with over $30 million still due, Draisaitl says every dollar will be redirected to create “The Draisaitl Future Fund,” a comprehensive youth hockey initiative focused on accessibility, mental health, and elite development pathways in Alberta and across Canada.

Unprecedented Philanthropy

The move marks one of the largest personal donations in professional sports history and is being hailed as a turning point in athlete-led philanthropy.

Katerina Lutz, CEO of the Oilers Community Foundation, confirmed that the fund would launch this fall with an initial $37.3 million contribution — representing the remainder of Draisaitl’s guaranteed salary — with matching contributions expected from private donors and partners.

“Leon’s gift is not just generous — it’s transformational,” Lutz said. “He’s changing the lives of thousands of young athletes, particularly those who would never have had access to the game otherwise.”

Reaction from Around the League

Reactions across the hockey world were swift and heartfelt.

Connor McDavid, visibly emotional in a statement posted to social media, said:
“You were more than a teammate, you were my brother. What you just did… I’ve never seen anything like it. Edmonton will never forget.”

Wayne Gretzky called the move “one of the classiest acts I’ve ever seen in the game,” while NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement praising Draisaitl’s legacy both “on the ice and in the hearts of fans.”

What’s Next?

Draisaitl said he will remain involved in hockey — not as a coach or executive for now, but as a mentor and ambassador for the sport. He plans to split his time between Edmonton and his hometown of Cologne, Germany, where he is launching a parallel youth hockey program in 2026.

“I may be stepping away from the game,” he said, “but I’ll never be far from the rink.”

As the hockey world continues to process the retirement of one of its brightest stars, one thing is certain: Leon Draisaitl may be hanging up his skates, but his impact on the game is just beginning.