What Teams Did Wayne Gretzky Play For?

What teams did Wayne Gretzky play for? Wayne Gretzky’s journey through hockey offers a fascinating look at how “The Great One” shaped the sport forever. Decades after his retirement, fans remain captivated by the legend of Gretzky and the legacy he left both on and off the ice.

What teams did Wayne Gretzky play for?

Gretzky suited up for four NHL teams during his illustrious career: the Edmonton Oilers (1978–1988), Los Angeles Kings (1988–1996), St. Louis Blues (1996), and New York Rangers (1996–1999). Before joining the NHL, he got his start in professional hockey with a season in the WHA, playing for the Indianapolis Racers (1978–1979).

Wayne Gretzky’s NHL Teams

Over 19 unforgettable seasons in the NHL, Gretzky played for four teams. Each chapter in his career tells a story of greatness, transformation, and impact.

1) Edmonton Oilers (1978–1988)

The Edmonton Oilers were Gretzky’s launching pad into hockey stardom. Interestingly, Gretzky was never drafted into the NHL. Instead, in 1978, he was sold/traded to the Oilers while they were still part of the WHA, coming over from the Indianapolis Racers. When the WHA dissolved, the Oilers joined the NHL, and they wisely protected Gretzky as one of their two guaranteed players.

Edmonton was where Gretzky’s legend truly began. During his time with the Oilers, he not only collected an unprecedented number of goals, assists, and points but also led the team to four Stanley Cup championships. His offensive genius redefined how the game was played, pushing the NHL into a new era of skill and creativity. Gretzky didn’t just break records—he obliterated them, leaving a mark on the league that still endures.

2) Los Angeles Kings (1988–1996)

In 1988, hockey fans were rocked by the unthinkable: Wayne Gretzky was traded. Rumors swirled even before he won his fourth Stanley Cup with Edmonton, but Gretzky was shielded from them by his father, Walter Gretzky until the finals were over.

Initially, Gretzky resisted the idea of being traded, but after discussions with his inner circle and Kings owner Bruce McNall, he agreed to the move. On August 9, 1988, the blockbuster trade became official. Gretzky, along with Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski, was sent to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Martin Gelinas, Jimmy Carson, three first-round draft picks (1989, 1991, and 1993), and $15 million in cash.

For Edmonton—and all of Canada—this was a heartbreaking moment. They didn’t just lose a player; they lost their national icon. Yet, the trade also transformed hockey in the U.S., especially in California, where Gretzky’s arrival boosted the sport’s popularity to unimaginable heights.

The story of Wayne Gretzky’s teams is more than just a list of trades and stats; it’s a journey through a career that changed hockey forever. Whether in Edmonton or Los Angeles, Gretzky captivated fans and left a legacy of excellence. Stay tuned as we explore more chapters of his incredible career!

3) St. Louis Blues (1996)

The best trivia answer ever? Craig Johnson, Patrice Tardif, and Roman Vopat. The question? “Who did the St. Louis Blues trade to the Los Angeles Kings to get Wayne Gretzky in 1996?”

If you’ve never heard of these players, you’re not alone. Surprising, right? Trading for the greatest hockey player of all time with names that barely register? But here’s the catch—this wasn’t your typical blockbuster deal.

The Blues snagged Gretzky at the trade deadline, a last-minute move to boost their playoff chances. The Kings, facing a rebuild and no playoff hopes, were ready to part ways with their star. Gretzky didn’t want to stick around for a rebuild, so off to St. Louis he went.

The Blues, led by veterans like Brett Hull, Al MacInnis, and Dale Hawerchuk (plus a young Chris Pronger), weren’t an elite team, but they had potential. Gretzky played just 18 regular season games and 13 playoff games for the Blues before they fell in the second round to Detroit. But even in that short time, he made his mark, leading the team in playoff scoring.

St. Louis tried to lock him in with a 3-year, $15 million deal. Gretzky? He passed, choosing to move on instead.

4) New York Rangers (1996–1999)

Wayne Gretzky’s career came full circle in Manhattan with the New York Rangers. But before landing in the Big Apple, rumors swirled about where he’d go next—would it be his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs or the powerhouse Detroit Red Wings?

In the end, the pull of reuniting with his best friend and former teammate Mark Messier was too strong to resist. At 35, Gretzky signed a 2-year, $10 million deal with the Rangers, eventually extending for a third year.

Though in the twilight of his career, Gretzky brought his iconic presence to one of hockey’s biggest stages, adding one final chapter to his legendary story.

Conclusion

So, when someone asks you, “What teams did Wayne Gretzky play for?” you’re ready to answer! His time in Edmonton was undoubtedly the most exciting—Stanley Cups, broken records, and pure dominance. But his move to the U.S.? That’s where Gretzky’s influence truly transformed the game, growing hockey in ways no one could have imagined.