Even in retirement “The Great One” continues to set records. Wayne Gretzky’s final Edmonton Oilers jersey, worn during the 1987-88 playoffs, sold at auction for $1.452M making it the most expensive hockey jersey sale on record.
The previous record holder was Paul Henderson’s 1972 Summit Series jersey which sold for $1.3M several years back.
Gretzky’s sweater was worn during his team’s 1987-88 Stanley Cup final against the Boston Bruins, which Edmonton won 4 games to 0. Number 99 would go on to win his second Conn Smythe Trophy scoring 43pts in 19 games (12G, 31A), as the Oilers claimed their 4th Stanley Cup.
Three months later, one of the most infamous trades in sports history took place, in which Gretzky and Mike Krushelnyski were traded to Los Angeles in exchange for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, 1st round picks in 1989, 1991, and 1993, and $15M in cash.
The jersey itself, which was sold by Grey Flannel Auctions, still has champagne stains on it from the Stanley Cup winning celebrations. The record setting auction wrapped up on Sunday evening, with the $1.452M featuring a buyer’s premium in the total.
For those who don’t have millions laying around to spend on sports memorabilia, Gretzky’s game worn gloves from the same Stanley Cup clinching game were also sold for $204,162.