Why Wayne Gretzky is the Greatest Hockey Player of All Time: A Look at His Legendary Career
Wayne Gretzky is often touted as the greatest hockey player of all time, but what made him so great? Multiple Stanley Cup championships is only a portion the Great One’s legacy.
How many Stanley Cups does Gretzky have?
Wayne Gretzky has four Stanley Cups during his time in the NHL, each with the Edmonton Oilers. Over the span of his career from 1978-1999, Gretzky also acquired nine Hart Memorial Trophies, five Lady Byng Trophies, two Conn Smythe Trophies, and 10 Art Ross trophies for most points in a season. That’s a lot of trophies.
Over the years, several notable hockey players have entered the rink and made a name for themselves. However, few are touted as the greatest player ever to touch the ice. The question remains, particularly for those who are new to the game, who exactly is Wayne Gretzky? What about his career made him stand out in the National Hockey League?
Who is Wayne Gretzky?
Wayne Gretzky was born in 1961 in Brantford, Ontario. He began skating at a young age when his father built an ice rink in the family’s backyard, where he developed essential skills like shooting and stickhandling.
By the age of six, Gretzky was already playing in a novice hockey league against boys nearly twice his age. His impressive junior hockey career culminated in him becoming the youngest player and leading scorer at the 1978 World Junior Championship.
Gretzky eventually joined the NHL, where he built an unparalleled career, shattering records and earning the title of “The Great One.” After an incredible 20-season career, he retired from professional hockey following the 1998-99 season. Today, Wayne Gretzky remains actively involved in the sport as a TV analyst and enjoys time with his family.
The Career Progression of Wayne Gretzky
Given the immense hype surrounding Wayne Gretzky, it’s only natural to wonder what made his 20-year professional hockey career so legendary. This Hockey Hall of Fame icon began his professional career in 1978 in the World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Indianapolis Racers before quickly joining the Edmonton Oilers.
Before going pro, Gretzky played junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. During his time with the Greyhounds, he showcased his exceptional talent, recording 70 goals and 112 assists in just 64 regular-season games. It was here that he first wore the now-iconic No. 99 jersey.
The World Hockey Association
Signed as an underage junior in 1978, Wayne Gretzky began his professional career in the World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Indianapolis Racers. However, his time with the team was short-lived. In a financial move, the Racers traded Gretzky, along with Peter Driscoll and Ed Mio, to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for cash and future considerations.
Once with the Oilers, Gretzky quickly proved his dominance on the ice. In his first WHA season, he recorded 43 goals and 62 assists in 72 regular-season games, followed by 10 goals and 10 assists in 13 playoff games. His outstanding performance earned him the WHA Rookie of the Year title and a spot on the WHA Second All-Star Team.
The National Hockey League
Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career is where he solidified his legacy as the greatest hockey player of all time, winning four Stanley Cups—all with the Edmonton Oilers. However, his official NHL debut came in the 1979-80 season after the Oilers joined the NHL as part of the WHA-NHL merger. Since Gretzky was already under contract with Edmonton, the Oilers were able to reclaim him before the expansion draft, ensuring he remained with the team.
In the four seasons leading up to his first Stanley Cup victory in 1984, Gretzky dominated the league, racking up numerous awards, including multiple Hart Memorial Trophies (MVP), Art Ross Trophies (league scoring leader), and playoff MVP honors. His record-breaking performances helped transform the Oilers into an NHL powerhouse.
The 1983-84 Season: Gretzky Leads Oilers to Their First Stanley Cup
In his fifth season with the Edmonton Oilers, Wayne Gretzky led the team to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship. That season, he also secured his fifth consecutive Hart Trophy (NHL MVP) and fourth straight Art Ross Trophy (league scoring leader). Additionally, he set an NHL record for most goals in a single regular season (87 goals), including playoffs, further cementing his dominance in the league.
The 1984-85 Season: Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Wins & 1,000 Career Points
The 1984-85 season saw Gretzky guide the Oilers to their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory, once again earning both the Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy. This season was even more historic as Gretzky reached the 1,000-career-point milestone in record time and shattered his own NHL single-season assists record with 135 helpers in the regular season.
The 1986-87 Season: More Records & Another Stanley Cup Victory
The 1986-87 season was another milestone year for Gretzky, as he scored his 500th career NHL goal and added yet another Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy to his growing collection. He also set an NHL record for most hat tricks in a single season. The year ended on a high note as he led the Oilers to yet another Stanley Cup championship, further solidifying their dynasty.
The 1987-88 Season: Gretzky’s Final Stanley Cup Victory
The 1987-88 season marked Wayne Gretzky’s last Stanley Cup championship, capping off his dominant run with the Edmonton Oilers dynasty. During this season, he tied Mike Bossy’s career record for most seasons with 40 or more goals and set a new NHL record for the most consecutive 100-point seasons—a testament to his unparalleled consistency and offensive prowess.
The Trade to the Los Angeles Kings & Career After Edmonton
Following the 1987-88 season, Gretzky was famously traded to the Los Angeles Kings in a blockbuster deal that sent shockwaves through the hockey world. While with the Kings, he continued to rewrite the record books and earned multiple Hart Trophy (MVP) honors, but never won another Stanley Cup championship.
Gretzky spent eight seasons in Los Angeles before a brief stint with the St. Louis Blues in 1996. He then signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers, where he played until his retirement. His legendary career ended in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1999, in a game that featured his longtime rival, Mario Lemieux.
Post-Retirement & Legacy
After retiring, Gretzky briefly held an ownership stake in the Phoenix Coyotes (now the Utah Hockey Club) and later returned to the Edmonton Oilers as Vice Chairman for a few years.
Over his illustrious 20-season career, Wayne Gretzky set numerous NHL records in both Canada and the United States, securing his place as the leading goal scorer (894), all-time points leader (2,857), and the greatest player in hockey history.
However, his goal record is actively being pursued by Alex Ovechkin from the Washington Capitals. Keep an eye on the exciting Gr8 Chase!
For more perspective, here’s how many more points Gretzky accrued versus the next 10 best players:
Wayne Gretzky, 2,857 (894 goals + 1,963 assists)
Jaromir Jagr, 1,921 (766 goals + 1,155 assists)
- Mark Messier, 1,887 (694 goals + 1,193 assists)
Gordie Howe, 1,850 (801 goals + 1,049 assists)
- Ron Francis, 1,798 (549 goals + 1,249 assists)
Marcel Dionne, 1,771 (731 goals + 1,040 assists)
Steve Yzerman, 1,755 (692 goals + 1,063 assists)
Mario Lemieux, 1,723 (690 goals + 1,033 assists)
Sidney Crosby, 1,669 (615 goals + 1,054 assists)
Joe Sakic, 1,641 (625 goals + 1,016 assists)
Alex Ovechkin, 1,610 (892 goals + 718 assists)
Which NHL Team Has Won the Most Stanley Cups?
The Montreal Canadiens hold the record for the most Stanley Cup championships in NHL history, having hoisted the trophy 24 times. This puts them well ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who sit in second place with 13 Stanley Cup victories.
Who Has the Most Stanley Cups as a Player?
The record for most Stanley Cups won by an individual player belongs to Henri Richard, who captured an incredible 11 championship rings during his legendary two-decade career with the Montreal Canadiens. His dominance on the ice helped solidify the Canadiens’ dynasty during the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s.
How Many Playoff Games Did Wayne Gretzky Play In?
Throughout his 20-year professional hockey career, Wayne Gretzky played in 208 Stanley Cup Playoff games, ranking among the most experienced postseason players in NHL history. He also competed in World Hockey Association (WHA) playoffs before the league merged with the NHL. His extensive playoff experience and record-breaking performances solidified his reputation as one of the greatest postseason players of all time.
Did Wayne Gretzky Win Four Stanley Cups in a Row?
Contrary to popular belief, Wayne Gretzky did not win four consecutive Stanley Cups. He came close but was short by one season. He led the Edmonton Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in the 1983-84 and 1984-85 seasons, followed by another back-to-back title run in 1986-87 and 1987-88. This dominant stretch helped establish the Oilers as one of the greatest dynasties in NHL history.
Wayne Gretzky’s career is a testament to unparalleled talent, vision, and dedication to the game of hockey. Known as “The Great One,” Gretzky revolutionized the sport, setting records that still stand today. His combination of skill, hockey IQ, and leadership turned him into the face of the NHL for over two decades. From his early days with the Edmonton Oilers to his final season with the New York Rangers, Gretzky’s impact on the ice transcended statistics, inspiring future generations of players. His legacy goes beyond the records, symbolizing the beauty and artistry of hockey at its highest level.
Not enough Gretzky action for you? Then make sure to check out these other articles that dive further into his career:
What Teams Did Gretzky Play For? Wayne Gretzky’s Career in Depth
Why Wayne Gretzky Was Never Drafted Into the NHL
