Record-breaking sale of Gretzky's jersey
A jersey worn by Wayne Gretzky during his last game with the Edmonton Oilers has been sold at auction for a record $2.8 million. The sale was conducted by Goldin Auctions. This sweater, bearing the number 99, was worn by Gretzky in five games, including the first and final matches of the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals, setting a new benchmark. The previous record stood at $1.4 million, achieved at a Grey Flannel auction in June 2022.
The 1987/88 season and Gretzky's achievements
The 1987/88 season marked Wayne Gretzky's tenth and final year with the Edmonton Oilers. Serving as team captain, he lifted the Stanley Cup for the fourth time in his career. During the regular season, Gretzky played 64 games, scoring 40 goals and providing 109 assists. In the playoffs, he appeared in 19 games, netting 12 goals and recording 31 assists. The Oilers swept the Boston Bruins 4-0 in the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals.
Gretzky holds the NHL record for the most goals in regular season and playoff history, with 1,016 total. He also set the single-season goals record with 92 during the 1981/82 campaign and remains the top single-season scorer including playoffs, with 100 goals.
While Gretzky continues to draw attention, the NHL has announced new games in Germany, set to take place in Düsseldorf on December 18 and 20. These matchups will feature the Ottawa Senators and the Chicago Blackhawks. Additionally, Anže Kopitar, who spent 20 years with the Los Angeles Kings, retired after the first round of the playoffs.
The record-breaking sale of Wayne Gretzky's jersey underscores the immense interest in hockey history and its legends. It also highlights the growing popularity of sports memorabilia auctions, which have become major events for collectors and fans. Meanwhile, the announcement of NHL games in Germany reflects the league's global expansion and its efforts to engage international audiences, potentially boosting hockey's profile in Europe.