For decades, Wayne Gretzky has been widely considered the greatest player in NHL history. He won four Stanley Cups, nine Hart Trophies, and still holds many scoring records. But according to him, the greatest in the sport is someone else.

During a discussion with NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce on a recent episode of their New Heights podcast, Gretzky labeled Bobby Orr and Gordie Howe the greatest players in the history of the sport.  

He said, “And I got Bobby Orr and Gordie Howe in hockey. Those are the two greatest ever to play.”

Bobby Orr played in the NHL for 12 seasons. He played for the Boston Bruins for most of his career (10 seasons). In 1976, he moved to the Chicago Blackhawks and played two seasons. Orr played 657 regular-season games in his career, scoring 915 points, including 270 goals. 

He also scored 92 points, including 26 goals in the playoffs. Coming to his achievements, he won the Stanley Cup two times, and has been awarded with the Art Ross Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy twice each. 

Coming to Gordie Howe, he played 1767 games in his career, scoring 1850 points, including 801 goals. From 1946 to 1971, he played for the Detroit Red Wings before finishing his career with the Hartford Whalers. He played for the Whalers for just one season. 

Howe also played 157 playoff games, scoring 160 points, including 68 goals. Some of his achievements include 4 Stanley Cups, 6 Art Ross Trophies, and as many Hart Memorial Trophies as well. 

These numbers show how great both players were. Wayne Gretzky is already an NHL legend himself, but the way he praises and respects other great players shows how much respect he gives to fellow hockey legends.

Wayne Gretzky Also Talked About Other Legends in Different Sports

In the same show, Wayne Gretzky also spoke about legends from other sports. The host asked him about his favorite players and sports legends from the NBA, NFL, and MLB. For the NBA, Gretzky chose Michael Jordan and referred to his famous jersey number 23.

“Well, the NBA’s easy. 23. That was pretty easy”, said Wayne Gretzky. 

For the NHL, Wayne Gretzky picked both hosts, Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce. After hearing this, both hosts gave a very funny and excited reaction.

“NFL. Well, I’ll go with you two guys. Like 1 and 2.”

During a GOAT debate, Wayne Gretzky praised Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, George Brett, and Tom Brady for their legendary impact on sports. 

“Major League Baseball. Listen. To me, what Jackie Robinson did is incredible. Babe Ruth. How he created the whole baseball world. But I am gonna pick George Brett as the greatest player I've ever seen. And then in your sport, I mean, how can you go against Tom Brady with all the championships, right?”

What makes the moment especially interesting is Gretzky’s humility. He himself has played 1487 games and scored 2857 points, including 894 goals. The number speaks volumes.

Many all-time great athletes naturally back themselves in GOAT discussions, but Gretzky has always shown deep respect for the legends who came before him in multiple sports.

Read more at the NHL Fan Central

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Souvik Roy