Nick Paul is turning every point he puts on the board this season into something bigger than the score sheet.
The Maple Leafs forward will donate $150 to jack.org for each point he records, according to a story the NHLPA posted on its website Saturday. The organization supports youth mental health, and the donation plan is part of Paul’s ongoing charity work after his Points by Paul program from his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning and earlier in his hockey career.
Paul spoke about why the cause matters to him on World Mental Health Day, which is observed annually on Oct. 10.
“With the way the world is now, especially with social media, discussing and supporting mental health has never been more important,” Paul told NHLPA.com on World Mental Health Day, which is observed annually on Oct. 10. “We have come a long way in accepting that it’s OK to let people know you are not OK and to get help.
“Before, it was more about hiding it and trying to push through on your own. That doesn’t always work out, whatever the facet of your life that it happens to be.
“To have all these resources and support now - helplines, facilities, camps, celebrities and people in the public eye - it truly makes a big difference for people who are going through difficult times and need somewhere to turn and to be inspired by other people’s openness. If you can be a voice that gets a message of hope across, you embrace that opportunity.”
Now with the Maple Leafs after a summer trade from Tampa, the Mississauga native had two points in five games before Toronto’s game in Colorado against the Avalanche on Saturday night.
“We’re very excited about teaming with jack.org,” Paul said. “They do great work in helping young people and creating awareness about the importance of mental health.”
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Flames May Be Near A Brutal Decision On Connor Zary
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Now the pressure is on to find a trade before the situation gets uglier. Zarys contract can be bought out at one-third value, which would leave Calgary with a $600,000 cap charge for two more seasons, and contract termination remains on the table if nothing materializes. For a team already trying to sort out its lineup and its books, it is the kind of decision that can linger well beyond one players spot on the roster. [Read more 🡒]