Gretzky Almost Played for Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks

Published on February 14th, 2026 4:06 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


Did you know that Wayne Gretzky very nearly played for the Winnipeg Jets? How about the Detroit Red Wings?

Over the course of his storied career, Gretzky very nearly joined a number of different teams, either during free agency or via trade.

1. Winnipeg Jets, 1978.

When the Indianapolis Racers were in the process of folding in 1978, team owner Nelson Skalbania offered the "Great One" to two different teams - the Edmonton Oilers and the Winnipeg Jets.

Legend has it that the future of Wayne Gretzky was decided over a game of backgammon, with Oilers' owner Peter Pocklington winning out over Michael Gobuty, who owned the Jets at the time.

Gretzky was sold to the Oilers, and the rest is history.

2. Detroit Red Wings, 1988.

When the Edmonton Oilers decided to trade Wayne Gretzky in the summer of 1988, they gave him the choice of where he wanted to go.

Gretzky didn't hesitate - the Detroit Red Wings were his choice, as Gordie Howe was his idol.

Gretzky's father, Walter, told his son that this was a bad idea, as he had the chance to do something "unique" and help grow the game of hockey in the United States.

Gretzky agreed and ended up choosing the Los Angeles Kings.

3. Toronto Maple Leafs, 1996.

Gretzky was nearing the end of his career and reportedly wanted to play for the Maple Leafs before he retired.

The deal didn't work out, and reports vary as to why. Some say that Gretzky wanted an ownership stake, and others say that the owner of the Leafs felt as though Gretzky being added to the team was unnecessary, as they were already selling out every game anyways.

Whatever the reason was, Gretzky elected not to sign with the Maple Leafs.

4. Vancouver Canucks, 1996.

Gretzky had met with the Canucks and reportedly had agreed to a deal with the team.

The rumour has it that Gretzky asked to sleep on the deal before signing, while the team demanded that Gretzky sign the contract on the spot.

Gretzky wanted to talk to his family first and was reportedly offended by being pressured, and ended up signing with the New York Rangers instead.

5. Philadelphia Flyers, 1988.

The Flyers, like the Red Wings and Kings, were in the mix for Gretzky as well.

Gretzky said that he would have liked to have played for the Flyers, but in the end, Peter Pocklington preferred the deal from the Kings, as it included more cash and young players to re-build the Oilers.

The Oilers were true to their word - they said that they would trade Gretzky to a team that was on his short list. The Kings were one of those teams, and Gretzky was shipped off to Los Angeles.