Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Wayne Gretzky

Discover the career path of Wayne Gretzky, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Wayne Gretzky, a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, widely regarded as "the Great One," is considered the greatest hockey player ever. He played 20 seasons in the NHL, setting numerous records. Gretzky holds the record for career points and assists, remarkably having more assists than any other player's total career points. He is the only NHL player to surpass 200 points in a single season, achieving this four times and exceeding 100 points in 15 seasons. Upon his retirement in 1999, Gretzky held 61 NHL records, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in ice hockey.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

October 1971: Profile in Toronto Telegram

In October 1971, Gretzky's play attracted media attention beyond Brantford, including a profile by John Iaboni in the Toronto Telegram.

1972: Summit Series Impact

Beginning in 1972 with the Summit Series, the Soviet's team style of play, combined with Wayne Gretzky's influence, changed the NHL game, emphasizing team play and individual skill.

1972: WHA Established

In 1972, the World Hockey Association (WHA) was established to compete with the NHL.

1974: Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 1974, Gretzky scored 26 points playing for Brantford in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.

1977: Ontario Major Junior Hockey League Draft

In the 1977 Ontario Major Junior Hockey League draft of 16-year-olds, Gretzky was selected third overall by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, despite his father telling the team that Wayne would not move there.

June 12, 1978: Signed with Indianapolis Racers

On June 12, 1978, Nelson Skalbania, owner of the Indianapolis Racers, signed 17-year-old Gretzky to a seven-year personal services contract worth US$1.75 million.

1978: WHA Merger Discussions

By 1978, the World Hockey Association (WHA) was struggling and seeking a merger with the NHL. Birmingham Bulls owner John F. Bassett sought to sign promising young players like Gretzky to gain leverage over the NHL.

1978: 1978 World Junior Championships

In 1978, Wayne Gretzky made his international debut for the Canadian national junior team at the World Junior Championships in Montreal, Quebec. Despite initial skepticism, Gretzky led the tournament in scoring with 17 points, earning All-Star Team and Best Forward honors, and helped Canada win the bronze medal.

January 26, 1979: Signs 10-year Contract with Oilers

On January 26, 1979, Gretzky's 18th birthday, Pocklington signed him to a ten-year personal services contract worth CA$3 million. Gretzky finished third in the league in scoring and captured the Lou Kaplan Trophy as rookie of the year.

1979: First Season in the NHL

In 1979, Gretzky entered the NHL and, despite being considered too small and slow by critics, he tied for first place in scoring and won the Hart Trophy for the league's most valuable player.

1979: NHL Expansion Agreement

In 1979, the NHL and WHA finalized an agreement where the WHA would fold and four teams, including the Oilers, would join the NHL as expansion franchises. Gretzky was allowed to stay with the Oilers as one of their priority selections.

1979: NHL Debut and Hart Memorial Trophy

In his first NHL season, 1979-80, Gretzky tied for the scoring lead with 137 points and was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Most Valuable Player. He was not eligible for the Calder Memorial Trophy due to his previous WHA experience.

December 30, 1981: 50 Goals in 39 Games

On December 30, 1981, Gretzky scored his 50th goal of the 1981-82 season in only 39 games, surpassing the record of 50 goals in 50 games. His 50th goal came in the final seconds of a 7-5 win against the Philadelphia Flyers.

1981: Gretzky leads the NHL in goals scored.

In 1981 Wayne Gretzky led the NHL in goals scored.

1981: 1981 Canada Cup

In 1981, Gretzky debuted with the Canadian national team at the Canada Cup, leading the tournament in scoring with 12 points. However, Canada lost to the Soviet Union in the final, finishing in second place.

1981: Art Ross Trophy and Playoff Record

In 1981, Gretzky won the Art Ross Trophy with a record 164 points and his second straight Hart Trophy. In the first game of the 1981 Stanley Cup playoffs, he had five assists, setting a single-game playoff record.

1981: Single-Season Scoring Record

In 1981, Gretzky, weighing just 165 pounds, broke the previous single-season scoring record, racking up 164 points in the NHL.

February 24, 1982: Breaks Esposito's Goal Record

On February 24, 1982, Gretzky broke Phil Esposito's record for most goals in a season (76), scoring three to help defeat the Buffalo Sabres 6–3.

1982: Oilers' Offensive Prowess

From 1982, the Edmonton Oilers averaged 423 goals a season, a feat never before achieved, with Wayne Gretzky averaging 207 points, far exceeding previous records.

1982: 1982 World Championships

In 1982, Wayne Gretzky joined Team Canada for the World Championships in Finland, where he recorded 14 points in 10 games. His performance, which included a two-goal, two-assist effort in the final game against Sweden, helped Canada secure the bronze medal.

1982: Breaks Assists Record

In the 1982-83 season, Gretzky broke his own assists record with 125 assists.

1983: Oilers in Stanley Cup Finals

In 1983, the Edmonton Oilers, with Wayne Gretzky as captain, reached the Stanley Cup Finals but were swept by the New York Islanders.

1984: Edmonton Oilers success

In 1984 The Edmonton Oilers team, was later voted the greatest NHL team ever, as part of the NHL's centennial celebrations.

1984: 1984 Canada Cup Victory

In 1984, Wayne Gretzky won his first international competition at the Canada Cup. Canada defeated Sweden in a best-of-three finals. Gretzky led the tournament in scoring for the second consecutive time and was named to the All-Star Team.

1984: Breaks Assists Record

In the 1984-85 season, Gretzky broke his own assists record with 135 assists.

1985: Oilers' Offensive Prowess

By 1985, the Edmonton Oilers had averaged 423 goals a season, a feat never before achieved, with Wayne Gretzky averaging 207 points, far exceeding previous records.

1985: Oilers Win Stanley Cup

In 1985, Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers won the Stanley Cup, adding to their previous victory.

1985: Breaks Assists Record

In the 1985-86 season, Gretzky broke his own assists record with 163 assists.

1986: Gretzky leads the NHL in goals scored.

In 1986 Wayne Gretzky led the NHL in goals scored.

1986: Breaks Points Record

In the 1985-86 season, Gretzky broke his own points record with 215 points.

1987: Gretzky's Contract Restructured

In 1987, Wayne Gretzky and Oilers owner Peter Pocklington agreed to replace Gretzky's personal services contract with a standard NHL contract, addressing concerns about the contract's use as collateral and Gretzky's growing dissatisfaction.

1987: 1987 Canada Cup

In 1987, Wayne Gretzky considered the Canada Cup the best hockey he played in his life. He played on a line with Mario Lemieux and recorded a tournament-best 21 points in nine games, leading Canada to victory against the Soviets in a memorable three-game final series.

1987: Oilers Win Stanley Cup

In 1987, Wayne Gretzky led the Edmonton Oilers to another Stanley Cup victory.

August 9, 1988: Trade to Los Angeles Kings

On August 9, 1988, Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. This trade had an immediate impact on the team's performance, eventually leading them to the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals, and is credited with popularizing hockey in California.

1988: Trade to the Los Angeles Kings

In 1988, Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings along with Marty McSorley, who continued to play the role of protecting Gretzky on the ice.

1988: Oilers Win Stanley Cup

In 1988, Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers secured another Stanley Cup win.

1988: Gretzky's Return to Edmonton

In 1988, Wayne Gretzky made his first appearance in Edmonton after being traded, receiving a four-minute standing ovation. A life-sized bronze statue of Gretzky holding the Stanley Cup was erected outside Northlands Coliseum after the 1988-89 season.

1988: Gretzky's Captaincy Ends

In 1988, Wayne Gretzky's tenure as the captain of the Edmonton Oilers came to an end.

1988: Oilers Plan to Trade Gretzky

In 1988, shortly after winning the Stanley Cup, Wayne Gretzky learned of the Oilers' plan to trade him, driven by owner Peter Pocklington's financial needs. Gretzky was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Kings after negotiations and his request to bring teammates Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski with him.

1989: First-Round Draft Pick

In 1989, as part of the trade that sent Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings, the Oilers received the Kings' first-round draft pick, which they later traded to the New Jersey Devils. The Devils used the pick to select Jason Miller.

1990: Assists Record

In the 1990-91 season, Gretzky had 122 assists.

1991: 1991 Canada Cup

In 1991, Wayne Gretzky led the Canada Cup for the fourth and final time with 12 points, but missed the final against the United States due to a back injury. Canada won the tournament.

1991: First-Round Draft Pick

In 1991, as part of the trade that sent Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings, the Oilers received the Kings' first-round draft pick, which they used to select Martin Ručinský.

1992: "The Gretzky Rule" Reversed

In 1992, the NHL reversed the offsetting penalties rule (nicknamed "the Gretzky rule") that had been introduced in June 1985, by which time most of the players from the dominant Edmonton Oilers team had moved on.

January 6, 1993: Gretzky's 1,000th NHL Game

On January 6, 1993, Wayne Gretzky returned from a back injury to play his 1,000th NHL game.

1993: First-Round Draft Pick

In 1993, as part of the trade that sent Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings, the Oilers received the Kings' first-round draft pick, which they used to select Nick Stajduhar.

1994: McNall Forced to Sell Kings

In 1994, due to financial troubles, Bruce McNall was forced to sell the Los Angeles Kings, straining Wayne Gretzky's relationship with the new ownership.

February 27, 1996: Gretzky Traded to St. Louis Blues

On February 27, 1996, Wayne Gretzky was traded to the St. Louis Blues for Patrice Tardif, Roman Vopat, Craig Johnson, and two draft picks. He was named the team's captain and scored 37 points in 31 games.

1996: Gretzky joins the New York Rangers

In 1996, Wayne Gretzky ended his time with the Blues and signed with the New York Rangers where he played his final three seasons.

1996: Gretzky Vancouver Canucks deal called off

In 1996, Wayne Gretzky was going to sign with the Vancouver Canucks however the deal was called off after Canucks president and general manager Pat Quinn was ordered to call and demand that Gretzky sign that same night, due to Gretzky not liking the Canucks' pushiness.

1996: 1996 World Cup

In 1996, the Canada Cup was revived and renamed the World Cup. Gretzky, with seven points in eight games, finished fourth in tournament scoring.

1996: Gretzky Requests a Trade

In early 1996, Wayne Gretzky requested a trade from the Los Angeles Kings due to the team's financial instability and strained relationships with the new owners.

November 29, 1997: Named to Canadian Olympic Team

On November 29, 1997, Gretzky was named to the Canadian national team for the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, which would be the first time NHL players were eligible to participate.

1997: Rangers Reach Conference Finals

In 1997, Wayne Gretzky helped the New York Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were defeated by the Philadelphia Flyers.

1998: Gretzky Leads in Assists

During the 1997-98 season, Wayne Gretzky topped the NHL with 67 assists, marking the 16th time in 19 seasons he led the league in this statistic.

1998: Gretzky breaks professional goal-scoring record

In 1998 Wayne Gretzky broke the professional total goal-scoring record of 1,071, which Gordie Howe had held. Gretzky's last goal brought his scoring total for his combined NHL/WHA career to 1,072, one more than Howe.

1998: 1998 Winter Olympics

In 1998, Wayne Gretzky participated in the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, where the Canadian team lost to the Czech Republic in the semi-finals. Gretzky was controversially not selected for the shootout. Canada lost the bronze medal game and finished without a medal. This marked Gretzky's final international appearance.

1998: Kings Miss Playoffs

In 1998, the Los Angeles Kings finally qualified for the playoffs after a long drought, a slide that began after Wayne Gretzky's departure.

1998: 1998 Olympics in Japan

Wayne Gretzky's ability to improvise came into the spotlight at the 1998 Olympics in Japan, even though he was an older player in the sunset of his career, and had been passed over for the captaincy of the team. As the series continued, his unique skills made him a team leader.

April 15, 1999: Gretzky's Last Game in Canada

On April 15, 1999, Wayne Gretzky played his last NHL game in Canada, a 2–2 tie against the Ottawa Senators. He was awarded all three stars of the game in a special ceremony.

April 18, 1999: Final Game

On April 18, 1999, Wayne Gretzky played the final game of his NHL career, which resulted in a 2–1 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden. Both the Canadian and American national anthems were played, with altered lyrics to honor Gretzky. Gretzky recorded an assist, his final point, on Brian Leetch's goal.

August 1999: Honorary Chairman of the Open Ice Summit

In August 1999, Gretzky was named honorary chairman of the Open Ice Summit to discuss improving Canadian ice hockey. He emphasized playing and practicing for the love of the game, prioritizing skill development over talent, and aiming for Canada to lead in skill development.

May 2000: Phoenix Coyotes Ownership Stake

In May 2000, Wayne Gretzky agreed to buy a 10% stake in the Phoenix Coyotes, becoming alternate governor, managing partner, and head of hockey operations, partnering with Steve Ellman to avert a move to Portland, Oregon.

2000: Part-Owner of Phoenix Coyotes and IIHF Hall of Fame Induction

In 2000, Gretzky became part-owner of the Phoenix Coyotes. He was also inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2000.

February 15, 2001: Sale of the Phoenix Coyotes Completed

On February 15, 2001, after missed deadlines and securing partners, the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes was completed, with Steve Ellman and Wayne Gretzky taking over ownership with the addition of Jerry Moyes.

2002: Executive Director for Canadian National Team

In 2002, Gretzky became the executive director for the Canadian national men's hockey team during the Winter Olympics, in which the team won a gold medal.

2003: Phoenix Coyotes Season

In the 2003-2004 NHL season, before Gretzky took over as coach, the Phoenix Coyotes had a poor performance. Following the 2004-2005 NHL Lockout, he would improve the team's performance by 16 wins.

August 8, 2005: Named Head Coach of the Coyotes

On August 8, 2005, Wayne Gretzky agreed to become the head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes.

May 31, 2006: Five-Year Contract as Head Coach

On May 31, 2006, Wayne Gretzky agreed to a five-year contract to remain head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes.

2006: Rangers Return to Playoffs

In 2006, The New York Rangers returned to the playoffs, well after Wayne Gretzky retired.

September 2009: Resignation from Phoenix Coyotes

In September 2009, following the Phoenix Coyotes' bankruptcy, Gretzky resigned as head coach and relinquished his ownership share.

September 24, 2009: Gretzky Steps Down as Coyotes Coach

On September 24, 2009, Wayne Gretzky stepped down as head coach and head of hockey operations of the Phoenix Coyotes due to an uncertain contractual status amid the team's bankruptcy hearings.

October 2016: Returns to the Oilers

In October 2016, Gretzky returned to the Oilers as a minority partner and vice-chairman of their parent company, Oilers Entertainment Group.

2021: Analyst on Turner Sports

In 2021, Gretzky left the Oilers Entertainment Group to become an analyst on Turner Sports' NHL coverage.

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