Gretzky to Remain a Ranger

Wayne Gretzky will return to the New York Rangers next season, although he said the team will need to make personnel changes to improve on a disappointing 1997-98 season.

Despite published reports that he might want to finish his career outside New York as the Rangers try to rebuild their team, Gretzky told Fox television that he will be at Rangers’ training camp next season.

“I’ve said it before and many times after, this is my last stop and I won’t play for another hockey team in this league,” Gretzky said in an interview that aired before New York’s 2-2 tie with Pittsburgh on Saturday.

“I’m sure the Rangers are going to make the necessary changes that will help improve this team and I plan on being front and center with that team next year.”

The Rangers, who have the highest payroll in hockey, are in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, six points behind Ottawa for the last playoff spot with nine games remaining.

Gretzky, who has one year left in his contract that will pay him $5 million next season, is fourth in the league in scoring with 81 points. He has 882 career goals and 1,904 assists, best in NHL history.

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Three days before an NHL deadline, the Nashville Predators sold their 12,000th season ticket Saturday.

That should ensure that the NHL’s newest expansion team begins play in October. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will make the formal announcement in mid-April.

The Predators had other requirements to meet by March 31, including the sale of 75% of luxury suites and club seats. Most have been met.

The Predators’ franchise was awarded last June. They will compete in the Central Division.

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Buffalo’s Dominik Hasek, who has 12 shutouts, on the league record of 15 set by Tony Esposito: “I’d like to tie or beat the record, but you cannot think about shutouts. My goal is to win a couple more games before the season is over and get ready for the playoffs. Three more is possible, but it won’t be my goal.”