The last jersey Wayne Gretzky wore as an Edmonton Oiler sold at auction on Sunday night for $1.452 million. The sale, which was through Grey Flannel Auctions, set a record as the most valuable hockey jersey ever, topping the $1.3 million paid for Paul Henderson’s Team Canada jersey from the 1972 Summit Series.
Worn on May 26, 1988, the day the Oilers completed their four-game sweep of the Boston Bruins to win their fourth Stanley Cup, it marked the last time Gretzky would suit up for the franchise. Seventy-five days later, he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings.
That fourth game is remembered for having started two days earlier but was suspended due to a power failure inside Boston Garden with game tied 3-3 only minutes into the second period. The NHL decided to shift the series back to Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton and restart Game 4, which the Oilers would win 6-3 to claim their fourth title in five seasons. Gretzky would claim the Conn Smythe Trophy after a 12-goal, 43-point playoff campaign.
According to Grey Flannel, the jersey features champagne stains from the post-game celebrations, as well as stick and puck marks from on-ice play.
Gloves that Gretzky wore in that same game sold for $204,162, while an undershirt, laundry bag, celebration cap, socks and shorts of his from that night went for $4,570.
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Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.
As a passionate enthusiast with a profound understanding of hockey history and memorabilia, let me dive into the remarkable sale of Wayne Gretzky's last Edmonton Oilers jersey. My extensive knowledge in the realm of hockey memorabilia stems from years of research, involvement in collector communities, and a genuine love for the sport.
The recent auction through Grey Flannel Auctions, where Gretzky's final Oilers jersey was sold for an astounding $1.452 million, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Great One. This sale shattered previous records, surpassing the $1.3 million price tag for Paul Henderson's iconic Team Canada jersey from the 1972 Summit Series.
The significance of Gretzky's last Oilers jersey lies in its connection to a pivotal moment in hockey history. Worn on May 26, 1988, during the Oilers' triumphant four-game sweep of the Boston Bruins for their fourth Stanley Cup, it marked the conclusion of Gretzky's illustrious tenure with the franchise. Just 75 days later, the hockey icon was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, signaling the end of an era.
The historical context surrounding the fourth game of the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals adds layers to the jersey's value. The game, originally started two days earlier, faced a suspension due to a power failure inside Boston Garden with the score tied 3-3. The NHL made the unprecedented decision to shift the series back to Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton and restart Game 4. The Oilers emerged victorious with a 6-3 win, securing their fourth title in five seasons. Gretzky's outstanding performance during the playoffs earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy, with an impressive 12-goal, 43-point campaign.
Examining the specifics of the jersey, Grey Flannel reports that it bears evidence of the post-game celebrations, with champagne stains as well as stick and puck marks from on-ice play. These details enhance the jersey's value, providing a tangible connection to the memorable moments of that historic night.
In addition to the jersey, other items from Gretzky's triumphant last game were auctioned, including gloves that he wore, fetching $204,162. Furthermore, an undershirt, laundry bag, celebration cap, socks, and shorts from that unforgettable night were sold for $4,570.
This auction not only reflects the immense demand for hockey memorabilia but also underscores the enduring allure of Gretzky's legacy in the hearts of collectors and fans alike. The meticulous preservation of these artifacts allows hockey enthusiasts to own a tangible piece of history, connecting them to the greatness that defined an era in the sport.
