Quote:
Originally Posted by Resolute 14
According to legend, Nelson Skalbania offered Gretzky's playing rights to either Edmonton or Winnipeg, depending on which team's owner won a game of backgammon.
In truth, Skalbania was in desperate need for money, and offered 99 to the Jets first. When he couldn't make a deal, he then offered Gretzky to Peter Pocklington, with whom he had co-owned the Oilers a few years previous.
Glen Sather told Pocklington to jump all over the offer after Gretzky beat the crap out of the Oilers while with the Indianapolis Racers.
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I heard a slightly different version. I heard that Gretzky pushed the Edmonton deal because his goal was to play in the NHL and Edmonton was considered more likely to be absorbed into the NHL while Winnipeg was an uncertainty at the time.
Another Gretzky fact that I heard but am too lazy to confirm is that he and his brother Brent (with his 4 points) are the highest scoring brother combination of all time in the NHL.