Jun 21, 2019; Vancouver, BC, Canada; Wayne Gretzky on stage as Philip Broberg is selected as the number eight overall pick to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2019; Vancouver, BC, Canada; Wayne Gretzky on stage as Philip Broberg is selected as the number eight overall pick to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
In 2021, Wayne Gretzky moved back to the St. Louis area. In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Gretzky revealed the personal reason for that move.
"I have a 100-year-old mother-in-law that we live with in St. Louis, so (my wife) Janet and I moved as a family to St. Louis to be closer to her and spend as much time as possible with her," said Gretzky.
Wayne Gretzky explained that not spending enough time with his father before his passing in March 2021 was difficult, and also motivated the move.
"It was kind of a tough year with spending 20 days and watching my dad (Walter) pass, so we're getting an opportunity to spend time in the Midwest with Janet's family," Gretzky told The Athletic.
Apr 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Wayne Gretzky speaks during a press conference with Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (not pictured) after the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena. Ovechkin scored the 893rd and 894th goals of his career, tying Gretzky for most all-time goals in NHL history at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Apr 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Wayne Gretzky speaks during a press conference with Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (not pictured) after the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena. Ovechkin scored the 893rd and 894th goals of his career, tying Gretzky for most all-time goals in NHL history at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
However, The Great One also has hockey history at St Louis. Gretzky was traded to the Blues from the Los Angeles Kings on February 27, 1996.
In 18 regular-season games, Gretzky held a record of 8 goals, 13 assists, and 21 points. He even helped the Blues defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs in six games in the first round of the playoffs.
While Gretzky left due to friction with the then-head coach Mike Keenan, he reportedly wanted to stay and potentially end his career at St. Louis.
Gretzky and his wife, Janet, a Bridgeton, Missouri native, had originally bought a home in Frontenac, St. Louis County.
What is Wayne Gretzky doing now?
Gretzky is still in the spotlight, as Turner Sports had agreed to a new multiyear contract extension to keep him as an NHL studio analyst on TNT.
He first joined the network in the 2021-22 season. This was when he stepped away from his role as vice chairman of the Edmonton Oilers to move into broadcasting.
Part of NHL on TNT, Wayne Gretzky is set to cover major events, including the Winter Classic and the Stanley Cup Playoffs, potentially through the 2027-28 season.
Ever since he joined Turner, Gretzky has worked with former players Paul Bissonnette, Anson Carter, and Rick Tocchet.
His career includes roles in coaching, executive roles, and ambassador work, but the analyst role has become his most significant connection to the sport since hanging up the skates.
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Written by
Aadhya Nalla
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi