How Wayne Gretzky Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Wayne Gretzky—a timeline of influence.

Wayne Gretzky, nicknamed "The Great One," is widely considered the greatest ice hockey player of all time. He played 20 seasons in the NHL, from 1979 to 1999, for four teams. Gretzky holds numerous NHL records, including leading career point scorer and assist producer. He is the only NHL player to surpass 200 points in a single season, achieving this feat four times. He also recorded over 100 points in 15 professional seasons. Upon his retirement in 1999, Gretzky held 61 NHL records.

Sections (5)

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

1984: Edmonton Oilers Team voted Greatest NHL Team Ever

In 1984 the Edmonton Oilers team was voted the greatest NHL team ever as part of the NHL's centennial celebrations, directly impacted by the June 1985 rule change.

1988: Gretzky's Return to Edmonton

In 1988, Wayne Gretzky made his first appearance in Edmonton after being traded to the Los Angeles Kings, receiving a four-minute standing ovation and reaffirming his Canadian patriotism.

1990: Gretzky Named Athlete of the Decade

In 1990, Wayne Gretzky was named Male Athlete of the Decade by the Associated Press. In the same year the Oilers won the Stanley Cup, their first without Gretzky, and Messier dedicated the win to him.

1992: Reversal of "The Gretzky Rule"

In 1992, the offsetting penalties rule, previously known as "the Gretzky rule", was reversed for the 1992-93 season.

1993: Led Kings to Stanley Cup Finals

In 1993, Wayne Gretzky led the Los Angeles Kings to the Stanley Cup Finals, contributing to the popularization of hockey in California.

1997: Gretzky Voted Greatest NHL Player

In 1997, The Hockey News committee voted Wayne Gretzky the greatest player in NHL history.

1998: Leadership at the Olympics

During the 1998 Olympics in Japan, Wayne Gretzky's improvisational skills made him a team leader, even though he was an older player and had been passed over for the captaincy.

1998: Greatest Hockey Player of All Time

In 1998, the Hockey News named Gretzky the greatest hockey player of all time.

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, where he was awarded all three stars.

August 1999: Open Ice Summit

In August 1999, Wayne Gretzky was named honorary chairman of the Open Ice Summit, which discussed improvements to Canadian ice hockey. He advocated for playing and practicing hockey out of love for the game and emphasized the importance of skill development over talent.

October 1999: Wayne Gretzky Drive

In October 1999, Edmonton honored Wayne Gretzky by renaming Capilano Drive, a freeway near Northlands Coliseum, to Wayne Gretzky Drive.

November 22, 1999: Hockey Hall of Fame Induction

On November 22, 1999, Wayne Gretzky was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, bypassing the three-year waiting period. He was the tenth and last player to do so.

1999: Induction into Hockey Hall of Fame and Jersey Retirement

In 1999, Wayne Gretzky retired from professional hockey and was immediately inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, with the NHL retiring his jersey number 99 league-wide.

1999: Induction into Hockey Hall of Fame

In 1999, Wayne Gretzky was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, marking a significant recognition of his contributions to the sport.

February 6, 2000: NHL Retires Number 99

On February 6, 2000, the NHL retired Gretzky's number 99 across the entire league, an unprecedented honor.

2000: Jersey Retirement and IIHF Hall of Fame Induction

In 2000, Wayne Gretzky's jersey number 99 was retired league-wide at the NHL All-Star Game. He was also inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2000.

2002: Honors and Recognition in 2002

In 2002, the Los Angeles Kings held a jersey retirement ceremony and erected a life-sized statue of Wayne Gretzky outside the Staples Center. Gretzky also received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto.