Gretzky's goal scoring feats are legendary, but it was as a passer and playmaker that Gretzky's skills were truly beyond those of anyone else who ever took to the ice. Gretzky owned and dominated the game of hockey for two decades, winning four Stanley Cup Championships over an illustrious career in which he played for the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers. Gretzky is the NHL's all-time leading goal, assist and point producer for both the regular season and playoffs. Gretzky also won ten Art Ross Trophies as the NHL's leading scorer, nine Hart Trophies as the League's MVP, five Lester B. Pearson Awards as the players' voted MVP, and two Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP.
In his career, Gretzky also earned five Lady Byng Trophies as the NHL's most gentlemanly player and made 18 consecutive All-Star game appearances, securing three All-Star MVP awards. He holds virtually every offensive record in the NHL, and has contributed significantly to the NHL's popularity. For all of his contributions, the NHL bestowed on Gretzky the unique distinction of being the only player in the history of the NHL to have his jersey number retired by all member clubs. "No. 99" was formally retired at the 2000 NHL All-Star Game in Toronto and will never again be worn by an NHL player.
