Gretzky Will Return to Kings

Wayne Gretzky will return to the Kings at least for one more season, according to Gretzky’s agent, Michael Barnett.

Gretzky, who had hinted at retirement after the Kings lost to the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup finals last season, has been having discussions with King owner Bruce McNall throughout the summer. After weighing his options Gretzky decided to return even before a new contract is finalized.

“He made the decision to play late this afternoon,” Barnett said. “He made a decision to play at least one more year. We don’t want to speculate past that. The decision is not related to finalizing any new contract terms. After having thought this through, his decision was based on his ongoing love for the game.”

Gretzky’s current contract is scheduled to go through 1997-98.