Wayne Gretzky, hockey’s all-time points leader, has agreed to a multi-year extension with Turner Sports to continue serving as a studio analyst for its NHL broadcasts, the network announced Monday on social media.
Gretzky, 64, known as “The Great One” for his dominance on the ice, joined Turner Sports as part of a seven-year broadcast deal that began with the 2021-22 NHL season. While he does not appear on every TNT or TBS broadcast, Gretzky is a fixture for marquee events, including the Stanley Cup Final and the Winter Classic, bringing star power and insight to Turner’s coverage.
“The Great One” holds most of the league’s major offensive records, though last season he was passed as the NHL’s leading goal-scorer by Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. Since retiring after the 1998-99 season, Gretzky has remained active in hockey, serving as a minority investor and coach for the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2000s and as executive director of Canada’s men’s hockey team for the 2002 Winter Olympics, where Canada won gold in Salt Lake City.
Gretzky was encouraged to take on the Turner role by former Los Angeles Kings teammate Rick Tocchet, who also signed with the network before moving on to coaching stints with the Vancouver Canucks and Philadelphia Flyers.
While Gretzky’s studio appearances are selective, his presence elevates the broadcasts, serving as a steady counterpoint to co-analysts such as Paul Bissonnette.
Turner Sports, which competes with ESPN for NHL coverage, has leveraged Gretzky’s name recognition and credibility to distinguish its broadcasts. Unlike traditional analysts who appear regularly, Gretzky’s value lies in high-profile appearances, including opening night and the playoffs, where his perspective and fame generate significant attention in the crowded sports media landscape.
As the NHL season approaches, Turner Sports will continue to lean on Gretzky for its most visible broadcasts, ensuring that fans see the legend’s insights during hockey’s most pivotal moments. With his extension, viewers can expect “The Great One” to remain a cornerstone of Turner’s NHL coverage for years to come.
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