The next chapter of Wayne Gretzky’s life will see the hockey legend join the TNT broadcast team as an analyst for the 2021-22 NHL season – an opportunity that may not have come together without some encouragement from an NBA legend, popular TNT commentator and longtime friend of The Great One.
“Charles Barkley is a good friend and he called me every single day and said, ‘This will be fun for you,’ and ultimately I decided OK this this something I gotta try and I’m really looking forward to it,” Gretzky told Hockey Central during a Friday appearance on Sportsnet 590 The Fan.
The 60-year-old resigned from his role as vice-chairman of the Edmonton Oilers in May prior to officially joining TNT after Turner Sports became a partial rightsholder for U.S.-based NHL broadcasts.
Gretzky explained that shortly after his father, Walter Gretzky, died in March he and his wife, Janet, reassessed their living situation now that each of their five children are college aged or older.
They decided to move from California to Missouri to be closer to Janet’s soon-to-be 100-year-old mother and other members of their family.
“We’re sort of empty nesters and we’ve kind of always had a kinship with St. Louis (where Gretzky briefly played in 1996),” Gretzky said. “I’ve always loved the city and the people. We’ve had a house there that my mother-in-law lives in, so we decided to move further east. … and then when TNT came along, I just sort of thought, ‘People ask me about hockey all the time, I love hockey, I love the game, I love being part of the game, everything I have in my life is because of the game, the players of today are great athletes and they’re wonderful people,’ and I just thought this was a great opportunity where I can just enjoy the game itself.”
Barkley is known for not holding back with his hot takes and criticisms of star players in the NBA, but don’t expect Gretzky to follow in those size-16 footsteps.
“There’s only one Charles Barkley, right?” Gretzky said. “You have to be yourself and when I met with TNT and talked to them about being involved in hockey, it doesn’t matter where I go people ask me questions and ask me about my opinion about the game or about players. I’m the most positive person in the world. I love everything about our game and I told everyone at Turner and Charles, ‘Look, I’m not a controversial guy. I’m not going to be that guy that’s going to be so negative about players. I’m the exact opposite, so if you’re looking for that guy, I’m not the right guy.’ …
“I’m gonna be Wayne Gretzky. I’m going to be forthright. I feel like I know the game, I feel like I respect the game and I’m just really excited to be a part of it again.”
As someone deeply immersed in the world of sports, I understand the nuances and dynamics of professional athletes transitioning into different roles, like Wayne Gretzky's move to the TNT broadcast team. My extensive knowledge in sports history and current events allows me to dissect the factors that led to Gretzky's decision and the unique circ*mstances surrounding it.
Wayne Gretzky, often referred to as "The Great One," is undeniably one of the greatest hockey players in history, holding numerous records and accolades. His decision to join the TNT broadcast team for the 2021-22 NHL season is a significant shift from his previous role as vice-chairman of the Edmonton Oilers.
The catalyst for this change was the encouragement from NBA legend Charles Barkley, a close friend and popular TNT commentator. Barkley's influence and persuasive approach played a crucial role in convincing Gretzky to explore this new opportunity. This insight into the personal dynamics between two sports legends sheds light on the human aspect of decision-making in the world of sports.
Gretzky's decision-making process was also influenced by personal factors, such as the recent passing of his father, Walter Gretzky. This emotional event prompted Gretzky and his wife to reassess their living situation, leading to a move from California to Missouri to be closer to family. The connection to St. Louis, where Gretzky briefly played in 1996, further motivated their decision.
The strategic move by Turner Sports to become a partial rightsholder for U.S.-based NHL broadcasts created an opportune moment for Gretzky to transition into broadcasting. His genuine love for the game and the positive impact it has had on his life made this a compelling opportunity for him.
Gretzky's approach to his new role as an analyst for TNT reflects his character and unique perspective. In contrast to Charles Barkley's outspoken and controversial style, Gretzky emphasizes his positive outlook on the game and his intention to be himself. He highlights his deep respect for hockey, expressing excitement about being a part of the sport once again.
In essence, Wayne Gretzky's journey from a legendary player to a broadcast analyst is a multi-faceted decision influenced by personal, emotional, and professional factors. This transition marks a new chapter in Gretzky's life and provides hockey fans with the prospect of gaining insights from one of the sport's greatest minds.
