Wayne Gretzky through the years

Wayne Gretzky with the Edmonton Oilers in January 1984.   (Associated Press)

Oilers center Wayne Gretzky celebrates with five trophies after the NHL awards presentation in Toronto on June 10, 1987.   (John Felstead / Associated Press)

Wayne Gretzky during a Kings news conference in 1993.  (Nick Ut / Associated Press)

Wayne Gretzky scores goal No. 802 to break Gordie Howe’s record March 23, 1994.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Wayne Gretzky acknowledges the fans at the end of his final game in 1998.  (Paul Chiasson / Associated Press)

Gordie Howe, left, shares a light moment with Wayne Gretzky during practice for the 1999 NHL All-Star game.  (Steven Senne / Associated Press)

Wayne Gretzky smiles during his induction ceremony at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto on Nov. 22, 1999.  (Frank Gunn / Associated Press)

Hockey great Wayne Gretzky carries the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Games.  (Mark Baker / Associated Press)

Wayne Gretzky appears at the NHL Centennial Classic in 2017.  (Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images)

Wayne Gretzky speaks during a promotional event for the Beijing Kunlun Red Star in his role as global ambassador for the team on Sept. 13, 2018.   (Mark Schiefelbein / Associated Press)