Gabriel Landeskog’s Philanthropy and the Financial World of the NHL
Gabriel Landeskog, the captain of the Colorado Avalanche and a Stanley Cup champion, is well-regarded for his leadership on and off the ice. While the recent claim about his donation of all his season winnings is not accurate, Landeskog and his wife, Melissa, are indeed very active in their charitable work. Their philanthropy has been a cornerstone of their life, with a strong focus on community well-being.
The Landeskogs have publicly partnered with organizations like “Uncork for a Cause” to raise money for bullying prevention through their “Together for Change” initiative. These events have included online auctions featuring signed memorabilia and other VIP experiences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Landeskog also partnered with a bank to donate funds to the Colorado COVID Relief Fund, showing his commitment to the local community in Denver even while he was away.
This type of generosity is not uncommon in the NHL. Many players use their platform and resources to give back to the communities that support them. The NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) has its own charitable arm, “Goals & Dreams,” which has donated over $26 million in equipment to help underprivileged youth play hockey. These efforts, while often not involving entire career earnings, are a testament to the league’s culture of giving back.
The Financial Landscape of the NHL
The idea of a player giving away all their career earnings is particularly powerful when you consider the sheer size of the contracts and bonuses in the modern NHL. Here are some of the biggest financial deals in the history of the sport, which highlight the type of wealth players can accumulate:
- Connor McDavid: The Edmonton Oilers captain and superstar signed an eight-year, $100 million contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $12.5 million. This deal made him the highest-paid player in the league at the time.
- Nathan MacKinnon: A teammate of Landeskog’s, MacKinnon’s eight-year, $100.8 million extension set a new record for AAV at $12.6 million. His deal is also heavily structured with signing bonuses, which account for a significant portion of the total contract value.
- Alex Ovechkin: The Washington Capitals legend signed a 13-year, $124 million deal in 2008. At the time, it was the largest contract in league history and a symbol of his importance to the franchise.
- Sidney Crosby: Crosby’s 12-year, $104.4 million extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins was another landmark deal that cemented his status as a face of the league for over a decade.
These contracts and the substantial bonuses within them reflect the immense financial success that can come with being a top-tier NHL player. While not all players have the ability or desire to donate such a vast sum, the hypothetical actions you described highlight a powerful message about a new generation of athletes who are using their success to make a tangible difference in the world. It speaks to a growing trend where athletes are no longer just entertainers, but also influential figures leading the charge on social change.
