EDMONTON, AB - APRIL 6: Former Edmonton Oilers forward Wayne Gretzky greets fans during the closing ceremonies at Rexall Place following the game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks on April 6, 2016 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The game was the final game the Oilers played at Rexall Place before moving to Rogers Place next season. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
The greatest hockey player of all time, Wayne Gretzky, announced a major move in his professional career as Vice Chairman of the Edmonton Oilers. A day after they were swept in the first round of the NHL Playoffs by the Winnipeg Jets, Gretzky left his post with the team, effective immediately.
In a statement posted to social media, Gretzky cited an inability to give the role the attention it requires. “With great appreciation, I wanted to let everyone know that I have decided to step away as Vice Chairman of the Edmonton Oilers, effective today. The Oilers, their fans and the city of Edmonton have meant the world to me and my family for over four decades and that will never end. Given the pandemic and other life changes, I realize I will not be able to dedicate the time nor effort needed to support this world class organization. I want to thank Daryl and Renee Katz, their family and the entire team for all the support and friendship these last several years and wish them nothing but success.”
Gretzky seemingly already has his next job lined up, as an analyst. Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reported that Gretzky would join TNT as a lead analyst on the network’s studio show after agreeing to a deal that will pay him around $3 million per season. This is Gretzky’s first gig as an analyst, and he should do phenomenally well. TNT does a wonderful job of finding talent within the retired player ranks in other sports, such as basketball. Former players like Shaq and Charles Barkley have provided life to pregame shows, and TNT even grabbed guys like Dwyane Wade and Draymond Green as they headed into the twilight of their careers.
Although this will be Gretzky’s first foray into the TV analyst world, he has plenty of television experience, after previously appearing on many television shows, including The Young and the Restless, Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons.
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Gretzky, 60, rejoined the Oilers in 2016 after previously spending 10 seasons with the team from 1978-1988.
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