Wayne Douglas Gretzky CC (born January 26, 1961) is a former Canadian ice hockey player and coach, frequently regarded as the finest hockey player in history. Referred to as “The Great One,” he participated in 20 NHL seasons from 1979 to 1999 with four teams, accumulating numerous records that remain unbroken. Gretzky guided the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships and contributed to popularizing hockey in regions such as Los Angeles.
Upon his retirement in 1999, he was immediately inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, bypassing the standard waiting period. The NHL also retired his No. 99 throughout the league. As of February 2026, Gretzky is 65 and remains engaged as a minority stakeholder in the Edmonton Oilers, a Turner Sports NHL analyst, and a philanthropist. He participated in The Match golf event in 2024, featured in a Simpsons Christmas special (which regained popularity in 2025), and was involved in the 2025 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony.
Biography Update
Wayne Gretzky was born in Brantford, Ontario, to Phyllis Leone (Hockin) and Walter Gretzky. His father, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 82, constructed a backyard rink named the “Wally Coliseum” and advised Wayne to “skate where the puck is heading, not where it has been.” Wayne began honing his skills there at age two, frequently playing with older children and cultivating remarkable vision and foresight. By the time he was 10, he had netted 378 goals in a single season with the Brantford Nadrofsky Steelers, garnering media attention and inciting envy among rival parents.
At the age of 15, Gretzky relocated to Toronto to compete in Junior B hockey and earned the Rookie of the Year title. He subsequently joined the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL and chose No. 99 because No. 9 was unavailable. In 1978, he played for the Indianapolis Racers in the WHA before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers. Following the merger of the NHL and WHA, Gretzky launched his NHL career in 1979.
In his private life, Gretzky wed actress Janet Jones in 1988 during what was dubbed “The Royal Wedding.” They share five children. Gretzky holds dual citizenship in Canada and the United States, having become a naturalized U.S. citizen. He triumphed over throat cancer in 2008. Recently, he has concentrated on family time, golfing, managing businesses, and serving as a commentator. In 2025 and 2026, he refuted speculation regarding a foray into U.S. politics, despite attending a 2024 Trump victory celebration, asserting his neutrality. He continues to support youth hockey and the Wayne Gretzky Foundation.
Stats
Below is a summary of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career statistics:
| Games Played | 1,487 | 208 |
| Goals | 894 | 122 |
| Assists | 1,963 | 260 |
| Points | 2,857 | 382 |
| Penalty Minutes | 577 | 66 |
Gretzky holds the NHL records for career points (2,857), assists (1,963, which surpasses the total points of any other player), single-season points (215 in 1985–86), as well as many others. Upon retiring, he maintained 61 records: 40 in the regular season, 15 in the playoffs, and 6 in All-Star games.
Daughter
Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones have five children: Paulina Gretzky (born December 19, 1988), Ty Gretzky (born July 9, 1990), Trevor Gretzky (born September 14, 1992), Tristan Gretzky (born August 2, 2000), and Emma Gretzky (born March 28, 2003).
Paulina Gretzky, the eldest daughter, is a model, influencer, and golfer. She gained recognition through social media and her marriage to PGA golfer Dustin Johnson. They became engaged in 2013 and exchanged vows on April 23, 2022, in Tennessee. Paulina and Dustin have two children. She remains active in golf, fashion, and philanthropic efforts, frequently sharing family moments online.
Teams
Gretzky played for four NHL teams:
- Edmonton Oilers (1979–1988) – Selected via WHA merger; secured four Stanley Cups (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988).
- Los Angeles Kings (1988–1996) – Transferred in a significant trade; credited with increasing hockey’s popularity in California; reached the 1993 Stanley Cup Final.
- St. Louis Blues (1996) – Short tenure (18 games) before trade.
- New York Rangers (1996–1999) – Concluded career; reached the 1997 Eastern Conference Final.
He also played in the WHA for the Indianapolis Racers (1978–1979) and Edmonton Oilers (1978–1979).
Achievements
Gretzky’s accolades comprise:
- 9 Hart Trophies (MVP) – A record.
- 10 Art Ross Trophies (points leader).
- 2 Conn Smythe Trophies (playoff MVP).
- 5 Lester B. Pearson/Ted Lindsay Awards (players’ MVP).
- 5 Lady Byng Trophies (sportsmanship).
- 4 Stanley Cups with Edmonton.
- Olympic gold medal as executive director for Canada (2002 Salt Lake City).
- Induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame (1999, waiting period waived).
- The NHL retired No. 99 league-wide (2000).
- Order of Hockey in Canada (2012).
- IIHF Centennial All-Star Team.
- A multitude of international accolades.
Net Worth
As of 2026, Wayne Gretzky’s net worth is approximated at $250–300 million. His income derives from:
- NHL salary (which peaked at $3–5 million annually during the 1990s).
- Endorsements (Coca-Cola, Domino’s, Sharp, Upper Deck, etc.).
- Business endeavors: Wayne Gretzky Estates winery/distillery (Niagara-on-the-Lake), former restaurants (Wayne Gretzky’s Toronto, Studio 99 at Rogers Place).
- Ownership interests: Former Coyotes part-owner; present minority partner and vice-chairman of Edmonton Oilers Entertainment Group (until 2021, maintained stake).
- Licensing and media (Turner Sports analyst, video games, books).
His fortune is the result of a lengthy career, astute investments, and a robust personal brand.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Wayne Douglas Gretzky CC |
| Birth Date | January 26, 1961 |
| Age (2026) | 65 |
| Birthplace | Brantford, Ontario, Canada |
| Nickname | The Great One |
| NHL Teams | Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers |
| Career Span | 1979–1999 (NHL); 1978–1979 (WHA) |
| Career Points | 2,857 (NHL record) |
| Stanley Cups | 4 (all with Edmonton) |
| Major Awards | 9 Hart, 10 Art Ross, 2 Conn Smythe, 5 Lady Byng |
| Family | Wife Janet Jones (married 1988); 5 children (Paulina, Ty, Trevor, Tristan, Emma) |
| Current Role | Oilers minority partner; Turner Sports analyst; philanthropist |
| Net Worth (2026) | $250–300 million |
