What Teams did Gretzky Play for? (Stats and Achievements)
Wayne Gretzky, the Great One, is one of the most successful players in the world of ice hockey. Unlike some famous NHL players, Gretzky did not play for one team throughout his career but was traded to other teams twice. Wayne Gretzky played for four teams during his career. These four teams are:
- Edmonton Oilers (1978-1988)
- Los Angeles Kings (1988-1996)
- St. Louis Blues (1996)
- New York Rangers (1996-1999)
Gretzky has also been a part of the WHA for a season with the Indianapolis Racers (1978-79).
Table of Contents
Edmonton Oilers (1978-1988)
Gretzky started his NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers. Earlier, he had started his professional career with the Indianapolis Racers in 1978, from where he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers when the WHA collapsed in 1978.
Gretzky reached the pinnacles of success with the Oilers and remained the most successful. He showed a fantastic game during his career with the Oilers, making him the Great One.
Regular Session Stats Table for Edmonton
| Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 696 | 583 | 1086 | 1669 |
Gretzky’s Achievements with the Edmonton Oilers
- 4 Stanley Cups
- 8 Hart Trophy
- 7 Art Ross Trophy
- 2 Conn Smythe Trophy
- Most Goals in a season: 92
- Most Assists in a season: 163
- Most Points in a season: 215
- All-time assist record
A career very few can compete with!
Los Angeles Kings (1988-1996)
Despite a fantastic record with the Edmonton Oilers, Gretzky got traded in 1988 after winning his fourth Stanley Cup. The talks with the Kings owner Bruce McNall made him agree to be traded. On August 9, 1988, Gretzky got traded to the Los Angeles Kings for 15 million dollars.
Gretzky served as a breath of fresh air for the Kings and opened new doors. On a personal level, he won another Hart trophy as the most valuable player and three more Art Ross Trophies as the league’s top scorer.
Gretzky led the Kings to their first Stanley Cup finals appearance on the team’s level, but unfortunately, they lost the game. His entry introduced the game to the Americans, and the Kings entered an A list. He served as a hockey ambassador to the US. The NHL expanded to the US cities after he traded with the Kings.
Regular Session Stats Table for LA Kings
| Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 539 | 246 | 672 | 918 |
Gretzky’s Achievements with the LA Kings
- 1 Hart Trophy
- 3 Art Ross Trophies
- All-time goal record
- All-time point record
Even though his achievements were lesser during this time, his trade to the LA Kings profoundly impacted the world of ice hockey.
St. Louis Blues (1996)
After the LA Kings, Gretzky was traded to the St. Louis Blues in 1996. The Blues wanted him to be an up-gradation of their team and reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Blues were an old team, mainly consisting of veteran players. After acquiring Gretzky, they did qualify for the Playoffs, but Gretzky played with them for a shorter period. Gretzky did not consider playing further with them and rejected the contract St. Louis offered him.
Regular Session Stats Table for St. Louis Blues
| Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 18 | 8 | 13 | 21 |
No other notable achievements can be mentioned during his time with the Blues.
New York Rangers (1996-1999)
The last team with whom Gretzky played before ending his official career in the NHL was the New York Rangers, where he reunited with his friend Mark Messier. He signed a two-year contract with the NY Rangers for $10 million.
As always, the NY Rangers flourished after acquiring Gretzky in their first season with him. They reached the Eastern Conference finals but lost to Philadelphia. This was the last time Gretzky had played in Playoffs.
The team’s performance went well during the remaining period, but they couldn’t reach playoffs again. Gretzky’s performance remained good during his time with the Rangers, but the Rangers were mediocre. Gretzky took retirement at the end of the 1998 – 1999 season, ending an exceptional career.
Regular Session Stats Table for St. Louis Blues
| Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 332 | 88 | 284 | 372 |
Gretzky’s Overall Career Stats
| Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 1,487 | 894 | 1,963 | 2,857 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is called the Gretzky office?
The area called a trapezoid behind the net is Gretzky’s office. It is called because Gretzky skates with the puck and waits until his teammate opens a scoring chance. At that time, defenders did not put pressure on him, so this strategy is vital in Wayne’s assists.
Conclusion
Wayne Gretzky, as a whole, became the conclusion of his NHL career when he retired. He is the definition of skill, quick-witted, hard work, passionate and successful throughout his career. He changed many teams and left a remarkable impression on different clubs behind him. But for me, Gretzky most suits the Edmonton Oilers – The Glorious era of the Oilers!
What do you say?
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