Wayne Gretzky announced Tuesday he's stepping away as vice chairman of the Edmonton Oilers.
Gretzky cited the COVID-19 pandemic and “other life changes” as the main reasons for his decision. Here's his full statement:
— Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) May 25, 2021
This move comes on the heels of the Oilers getting swept in the first round of the 2021 NHL Playoffs by the Winnipeg Jets. Edmonton finished the regular season with a 35-19-2 record to wind up with 72 points, which was good for second place in the North Division. That was nine points ahead of the Jets, but Winnipeg turned the tables in the playoffs with the sweep.
Wayne Gretzky joined the Oilers in 2016 to work closely with owner Daryl Katz. Edmonton made the playoffs in the 2016-17 season but lost to the Anaheim Ducks in the second round. The Oilers didn't make the playoffs in 2018 or 2019, and they lost in the qualifying round to the Chicago Blackhawks in the bubble in 2020. It has been a disappointing stretch given the presence of Connor McDavid.
Gretzky spent a good chunk of his legendary NHL playing career with the Oilers. He first joined the Oilers when they were a member of the World Hockey Association in 1978. The WHA then folded, with Edmonton then joining the NHL and Gretzky staying with the club.
Wayne Gretzky spent nine seasons playing for the Oilers in the NHL, establishing himself as the greatest hockey player of all time. The Great One led the NHL in scoring in all but one of his seasons with Edmonton and won numerous awards. He also won four Stanley Cups in the '80s.
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