Why Wayne Gretzky Was Never Drafted Into the NHL
Wayne Gretzky, one of hockey’s most legendary figures and arguably the greatest player to ever lace up skates, was never drafted into the National Hockey League (NHL)—a surprising anomaly in his storied career.
Nicknamed “The Great One,” Gretzky’s absence from the NHL Entry Draft continues to puzzle many hockey fans, as the draft is the primary way teams acquire elite talent.
Today, the NHL’s biggest superstars, including Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and Nathan MacKinnon, were all selected first overall in the draft, making Gretzky’s unconventional path to the league even more unique.
Why Gretzky was never drafted
Wayne Gretzky’s path to the NHL deviated from the norm due to the unique structure of professional hockey leagues during his rise to stardom.
Before becoming a household name, Gretzky began his professional career in the World Hockey Association (WHA)—the NHL’s primary rival league at the time.
In 1978, he signed with the Indianapolis Racers before being sold to the Edmonton Oilers, another WHA franchise. This early start in pro hockey set the stage for his eventual transition to the NHL under unusual circumstances.
When the WHA merged with the NHL in 1979, the standard NHL Entry Draft rules were adjusted for the incoming WHA teams, including the Oilers. Because Gretzky was already under a personal services contract with Edmonton, he was exempt from the draft process and joined the NHL as an Oiler.
This uncommon entry into the league allowed Gretzky to immediately make an impact in the NHL, solidifying his status as the greatest player of all time. His unconventional journey raises intriguing questions about how his career might have unfolded had he entered the league through the traditional draft system like most players.
A more in-depth look at Gretky’s path to pro hockey
Wayne Gretzky’s journey to professional hockey was unconventional and bypassed the traditional NHL drafting process due to his early WHA involvement and subsequent NHL-WHA merger.
From Brantford to Sault Ste. Marie
Born in Brantford, Ontario, Wayne Gretzky’s prodigious talent was evident early on. At the age of 14, Gretzky made a significant leap in his hockey career by joining the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League (OMJHL).
Ontario Hockey and the OMJHL
While with the Greyhounds, Gretzky quickly established himself as a formidable player in the OMJHL. His performance during the 1977-78 season was outstanding, solidifying his reputation as one of Canada’s most promising hockey talents.
He would score 70 goals and an astounding 112 assists for 182 points in just 63 games.
The WHA’s Indianapolis Racers
Gretzky began his professional hockey career at 17 with the World Hockey Association’s Indianapolis Racers. In 1978, he signed a seven-year personal services contract with the team, marking his entry into professional hockey. This contract was not a standard player contract and played a role in the unique circumstances that followed.
The Edmonton Oilers
The financial instability of the Racers franchise led to Gretzky’s tenure being brief. Following only eight games, his contract was sold to the Edmonton Oilers, who were, at the time, also part of the WHA. His move to the Oilers marked the start of a historic career, spanning nine seasons with the team and four Stanley Cups.
Drafting process and Gretzky’s uniqueness
Gretzky was never drafted into the NHL due to the NHL-WHA Merger in 1979, which took place shortly after he began playing for the Oilers.
Instead of entering the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, he was one of two players retained by the Oilers—negotiated by owner Peter Pocklington—as part of the conditions allowing the four WHA teams into the NHL.
This exclusion from the draft was largely due to the personal services contract he had previously signed. Thus, Gretzky began his illustrious NHL career, not as a drafted player, but as a transferred asset of the merging leagues.
The infamous trade and later career
“The Trade”, as it came to be known, saw Gretzky moving from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988. The Edmonton Oilers were in a difficult financial position and needed to trade Gretzky to shore up the team’s financials so they could continue to operate.
This move brought hockey to the forefront in southern California and led to a surge in the sport’s popularity in non-traditional markets across the United States.
Following his time with the Kings, Gretzky played for the St. Louis Blues and the New York Rangers, where he continued to perform at a high level until his retirement in 1999.
There is no question he is the greatest hockey player ever. The debate is whether or not he is the greatest player in all of professional sports. Nobody dominated any pro sports league like Gretzky did during his tenure.
Influence on Canadian hockey
Wayne Gretzky’s legacy in Canadian hockey is monumental. He not only inspired a generation of hockey players with his talent on the ice but also took on leadership roles that shaped the future of the sport.
His time with the Edmonton Oilers is still celebrated for the team’s remarkable success due to his unparalleled talent. Although Edmonton had multiple players with immense talent, there is little chance they would have won four cups without Gretzky.
However, the Oilers did manage to win one cup without Gretzky, led by Mark Messier, who would eventually join Gretzky and Glenn Anderson, a former Oiler, on the New York Rangers, where Gretzky finished his career.
Post-retirement, Gretzky assumed the role of head coach for the Phoenix Coyotes, guiding newer talents and imparting his deep understanding of the game. However, this didn’t last long, and the Coyotes would be his first and only coaching job.
Not enough Gretzky action for you? Then make sure to check out these other articles that dive further into his career:
Why Wayne Gretzky is the Greatest Hockey Player of All Time: A Look at His Legendary Career
What Teams Did Gretzky Play For? Wayne Gretzky’s Career in Depth
