What Teams Did Gretzky Play For? Wayne Gretzky’s Career in Depth
In this article, we will build on why Wayne Gretzky is the greatest player of all time by taking a further dive into the teams that Gretzky played on at a pro level, in his junior career, and go over some of his most notable accomplishments.
Wayne Gretzky, known as “The Great One,” is legendary in ice hockey. He holds numerous records, too many to count. His points record in the NHL is unlikely ever to be bested.
Born in Brantford, Canada, Gretzky started playing ice hockey early on in a backyard rink made by his father, paving his way to become the most iconic NHL player of all time.
Junior Career
Wayne Gretzky’s junior career began with the Toronto Nationals of the Metropolitan Junior B Hockey League (MJBHL). After brief stints with the Seneca Nationals and Peterborough Petes, he joined the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Gretzky’s dominance was immediately evident. In just 63 games, he posted a staggering 182 points, averaging nearly 2.9 points per game. For comparison, recent generational talents like Connor McDavid and Connor Bedard—both regarded as some of the best junior players in modern times—produced around 2.5 points per game, highlighting just how unprecedented Gretzky’s junior success was.
As a Greyhound, he solidified his reputation as one of the most promising young players in the OHL. He displayed his offensive prowess through goal-scoring, elite playmaking, and relentless forechecking, making him a complete offensive threat.
Gretzky’s OHL performance earned him a spot on Team Canada for the World Junior Championship, where he showcased his talent on the international stage and gained even greater recognition in the hockey world.
By the end of his junior career, it was clear that Gretzky was destined to become one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
What Teams did Gretzky play for?
If we include pro career only, Gretzky played for five teams, one in the WHA and four in the NHL.
- Indianapolis Racers (WHA)
- Edmonton Oilers (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- St Louis Blues (NHL)
- New York Rangers (NHL)
Indianapolis Racers – 1978
Wayne Gretzky’s time with the Indianapolis Racers was brief. He played fewer than ten games with the team. Due to the National Hockey League’s age eligibility restrictions for the NHL Entry Draft, the Racers were able to sign him to a seven-year personal services contract, bypassing those rules.
However, financial difficulties forced the Racers to sell Gretzky to the Edmonton Oilers. A popular but unverified story claims that Gretzky was acquired through a poker game between Racers owner Nelson Skalbania and Oilers owner Peter Pocklington. Both owners have denied this, clarifying that the transaction was a straightforward deal involving players and cash.
Shortly after the acquisition, the World Hockey Association (WHA) folded, and the Edmonton Oilers joined the National Hockey League (NHL) as part of the WHA-NHL merger.
Edmonton Oilers: 1979-’80 to 1987-’88
Wayne Gretzky will forever be synonymous with the Edmonton Oilers, a Canadian team where he helped build one of the greatest NHL dynasties of all time—arguably the best NHL team ever, the 1984-1985 Edmonton Oilers.
Gretzky played his first season with the Oilers in the World Hockey Association (WHA) before joining the National Hockey League (NHL) for the 1979-1980 season. He accumulated 137 points in his rookie NHL season, and by the 1981-1982 season, he set an NHL record with 92 goals.
In his first NHL season, Gretzky also won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who exemplifies sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, finishing with only 21 penalty minutes (PIM) for the entire season.
The 1985-1986 season saw Gretzky set the all-time record for points in a single season, with 215. This achievement didn’t come on the back of a 92-goal season; instead, he scored 52 goals and recorded an incredible 163 assists, averaging more than two assists per game.
During his time with the Oilers, Gretzky led the team to four Stanley Cup Championships, cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant players in NHL history. His incredible performances on the ice earned him numerous records and accolades, including winning the Art Ross Trophy (awarded to the NHL’s leading scorer) every season with the Oilers, as well as the Hart Memorial Trophy (league MVP) for eight consecutive seasons.
It’s highly unlikely that we’ll see another NHL player break the 200-point mark in a season. Gretzky astonishingly did it four times with the Oilers. His 51-game point streak with the Oilers remains a potential NHL record that may never be broken.
However, much like the Indianapolis Racers, the Oilers faced financial troubles. This led to one of the most shocking trades in NHL history, as they were forced to trade Gretzky, marking the end of an era in Edmonton.
Los Angeles Kings: 1988-’89 to 1995-’96
Wayne Gretzky’s next chapter took him to the Los Angeles Kings, where he not only revitalized the franchise but also helped popularize hockey in Southern California. The Edmonton Oilers traded Gretzky, along with teammates Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski, to Los Angeles in exchange for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, three first-round draft picks, and $15 million, which the Oilers desperately needed.
Initially, Gretzky did not want the trade to happen. However, after discussing his options with the Oilers, his father Walter Gretzky, his soon-to-be wife, actress Janet Jones, and Kings owner Bruce McNall, he ultimately agreed to the move. The trade devastated Canadian hockey fans—particularly Oilers supporters—as Gretzky was considered a national icon.
As a King, Gretzky continued to rewrite the record books, including surpassing Gordie Howe’s all-time NHL points record. He led the team to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final, where they ultimately fell to the Montreal Canadiens.
Although he never won a Stanley Cup with the Kings, his dominance remained unmatched. He won the Art Ross Trophy (NHL scoring title) three out of his four full seasons in Los Angeles and captured the Hart Trophy (NHL MVP) in his first season with the team.
While the trade was heartbreaking for Edmonton Oilers fans—and Canadians as a whole—it became one of the most pivotal moments in NHL history. Gretzky’s presence in Los Angeles significantly boosted the league’s popularity, leading to NHL expansion into non-traditional hockey markets. This included new teams in California (the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks) and across the United States, including markets like Florida that were not historically hockey hotbeds.
In his final year with the Kings, the team traded Gretzky to the St. Louis Blues. With his contract set to expire and the Kings missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they opted to move him for assets rather than risk losing him in free agency.
St Louis Blues: 1995-’96
Though Wayne Gretzky’s time with the St. Louis Blues was brief—lasting just 18 regular-season games and 13 playoff games—he still made an impact, recording 21 points in the regular season and 16 points during the postseason.
The Los Angeles Kings traded Gretzky to the Blues in exchange for Craig Johnson, Patrice Tardif, Roman Vopat, a first-round pick in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft (which became Matt Zultek, though he never played in the NHL), and a fifth-round pick in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft (Peter Hogan). It was a hefty price for St. Louis, but the move ultimately did not pay off.
The Blues were eliminated in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and Gretzky opted to sign with the New York Rangers as a free agent in the offseason.
New York Rangers: 1996-’97 to 1998-’99
Wayne Gretzky spent his final NHL seasons with the New York Rangers. While there were rumors that he might return home to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he ultimately chose to reunite with former Edmonton Oilers teammate Mark Messier and finished his career in New York.
Even in the latter part of his career, he continued to showcase his elite skill and vision on the ice, recording 249 points over three seasons with the Rangers. While these numbers weren’t as astronomical as his prime years, it’s important to recognize that he was in his mid-to-late 30s and still producing at an elite level.
In his first season with the Rangers, he led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they fell to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Gretzky’s final NHL game came in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He registered an assist in the game, bringing his career total to 2,857 points—a record that still stands today and is widely considered unbreakable.
Fittingly, his last year in the NHL was 1999. Following his retirement, the NHL honored Gretzky by retiring his iconic No. 99 league-wide, ensuring that no player would ever wear it again.
Record-breaking performances
You’ll find his numerous record-breaking performances while researching who Wayne Gretzky played for. Gretzky amassed extraordinary career statistics in goals, assists, and points as a professional ice hockey player.
As mentioned, Gretzky played for four teams:
- Edmonton Oilers (1979-1988)
- Los Angeles Kings (1988-1996)
- St. Louis Blues (1996)
- New York Rangers (1996-1999)
He set numerous records and milestones while playing for all of these teams. While most of his records were set with the Edmonton Oilers, he would become the all-time leading point scorer in the NHL while with the Kings. He would score his 1000th professional goal (NHL and WHA combined) with the Rangers.
Points
Gretzky is the all-time leading scorer in the NHL with 2,857 career points, a record that remains unchallenged and is unlikely to be challenged for some time.
It is important to note that Mario Lemieux, his nearest competitor, is more than 900 points behind him. However, it would have been much closer if Lemieux had not undergone significant injuries and a cancer diagnosis.
He also holds the record for the most points in a single season, accomplishing this with 215 points during the 1985-1986 season.
Goals
Scoring was one of Gretzky’s attributes, and he scored 894 career goals during his time in the NHL. In the 1981-1982 season, he set the record for the most goals in a single season, finding the net 92 times.
At least at the time of writing, it seems likely that Alexander Ovechkin will surpass Gretzky’s all-time goal record.
However, please make no mistake. Gretzky’s 894 career goals are still astounding.
Assists
Most will be drawn to Gretzky’s exceptional playmaking abilities, as he holds the record for career assists with 1,963. He could still be the all-time points leader even if all his goals were removed.
Furthermore, he holds the single-season assist record, registering 163 assists during the 1985-1986 season.
Other Records
Wayne Gretzky’s career achievements are too numerous to list them all here, but a few more notable ones include:
- Most goals in a calendar year: 100 (in 1981)
- Most consecutive 40-goal seasons: 12
- Most 60-goal seasons: 5
- Most consecutive 100-point seasons: 13
Gretzky’s astounding achievements and records have earned him the nickname “The Great One.” If you look at his accomplishments, it’s pretty clear that the name is well-deserved.
Awards and achievements
Wayne Gretzky’s dominance in the NHL earned him a record nine Hart Trophies, awarded to the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP)—the most by any player in history. He also secured 10 Art Ross Trophies, given to the NHL’s leading points-scorer, further solidifying his reputation as the greatest offensive force the game has ever seen.
When it comes to Stanley Cup victories, all four of Gretzky’s championships came during the 1980s dynasty years with the Edmonton Oilers, arguably the most dominant era of his career.
In addition, Gretzky won the Conn Smythe Trophy—awarded to the most valuable player in the playoffs—twice, both times leading the Oilers to Stanley Cup glory.
Throughout his illustrious career, Gretzky also participated in an impressive 18 NHL All-Star Games, consistently showcasing his brilliance and reaffirming his status as one of the league’s greatest players.
Key Awards & Achievements:
- 9 Hart Trophies (Most Valuable Player)
- 10 Art Ross Trophies (Leading scorer)
- 4 Stanley Cups (All with the Edmonton Oilers)
- 2 Conn Smythe Trophies (Playoff MVP)
- 18 NHL All-Star Game appearances
Gretzky’s name is found throughout the NHL record book, holding astonishing records such as most career goals, assists, and points—among many others.
The Hockey Hall of Fame typically enforces a three-year waiting period before inducting a player. However, in recognition of his impact on the game, they waived the waiting period, inducting him immediately after his retirement—an honor reserved for only the greatest legends.
Post-Retirement Contributions
After playing his final NHL game with the New York Rangers in April 1999, Wayne Gretzky remained deeply involved in the sport as a global ambassador for the National Hockey League (NHL), helping to promote and grow the game worldwide.
One of his most significant post-retirement contributions came through his executive and coaching roles. In 2000, he became a minority owner and Executive Director of the Phoenix Coyotes, aiming to strengthen hockey’s presence in the southwestern United States.
In 2005, he took on a more direct role, stepping behind the bench as head coach of the Coyotes. His coaching tenure lasted four seasons, though the team struggled and failed to reach the playoffs each year. After the 2008-09 season, Gretzky stepped away from coaching and never returned to an NHL bench.
Despite his coaching setbacks, Gretzky’s legacy as the greatest hockey player of all time remains untouched. With four Stanley Cups, countless individual records, and an unmatched reputation, his influence on the game is undeniable.
While his resume lacks an Olympic gold medal, this is due to NHL players being ineligible for Olympic participation during his prime. However, his international legacy remains secure, as he played a pivotal role in leading Team Canada to victory in the 1984 and 1987 Canada Cup, further cementing his status as a Canadian hockey icon.
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
Why Wayne Gretzky Was Never Drafted Into the NHL
