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Wayne Gretzky Reportedly Turned Down Ownership Of The Vancouver Canucks

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Samer Dagher
March 18, 2024  (7:30 PM)
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Vancouver Canucks wallpaper with Wayne Gretzky
Photo credit: Puck Reporter

National Hockey League legend Wayne Gretzky recently shared a story that may rank among his biggest regrets.

Gretzky Turned Down Ownership Of The Vancouver Canucks

In a podcast interview with former NHL players Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette, Gretzky recounted how he passed up on a significant ownership stake in the Vancouver Canucks. The offer came from Nelson Skalbania, the man who signed Gretzky to a contract in the World Hockey Association.

"I talk to Nelson Skalbania all the time right?" began Gretzky. "He called me at 7 am when we won the Stanley Cup and said 'I'm gonna buy the Vancouver Canucks, I'll give you 25% ownership of the team and 3 million dollars a year,' now the highest paid player in hockey was me at that time was 800 grand Canadian."

Skalbania proposed giving Gretzky 25% ownership of the Canucks along with a substantial annual salary. At the time, Gretzky was the highest-paid player in hockey, earning $800,000 Canadian dollars per year.

"I was like you know what Mr Skalbania you know I love you to death but it's not gonna work for me," revealed Gretzky.

Despite the lucrative offer, Gretzky declined, a decision he now considers foolish. He expressed disbelief at his own choice multiple times during the interview, emphasizing how he may still be kicking himself over it.

After Wayne Gretzky won the Stanley Cup, he was offered 25% of the @canucks and a huge raise.

He declined. The rest is history.

In hindsight, Gretzky acknowledged the missed opportunity, lamenting, "How dumb am I?"

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Wayne Gretzky Reportedly Turned Down Ownership Of The Vancouver Canucks

Do you think Gretzky made a mistake by turning that offer down?

Yes6054.5 %
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