“Draft Wayne Gretzky movement”: Donald Trump encourages The Great One to run for Prime Minister of Canada
NHL legend Wayne Gretzky should run for Prime Minister of Canada, President-Elect Donald Trump claims. Trump posted a message on his Truth Social account, explaining his feelings about Wayne Gretzky running for public office.
Trump stated the words he reportedly said to The Great One Wayne Gretzky:
“I just left Wayne Gretzky, “The Great One” as he is known in Ice Hockey circles. I said, “Wayne, why don’t you run for Prime Minister of Canada, soon to be known as the Governor of Canada - You would win easily, you wouldn’t even have to campaign.” He had no interest, but I think the people of Canada should start a DRAFT WAYNE GRETZKY Movement. It would be so much fun to watch!”
The post was also shared by Wayne Gretzky’s wife, Janet:
While it’s not uncommon for former athletes and celebrities to run for public office, such as Donald Trump himself, Gretzky lacks experience in politics. However, there’s always a possibility that the right circumstances could encourage the NHL’s all-time leading scorer to make a serious bid for public office.
Wayne Gretzky was never drafted into NHL
A curious fact about the Great One is that he was never drafted into the NHL. When Gretzky was still a teenager, he was eligible for the NHL draft after a highly successful career in junior hockey.
However, Gretzky was enticed by the rival World Hockey Association (WHA) to sign as an undrafted free agent. So, Gretzky signed with the Indianapolis Racers at 17. Racers’ owner Nelson Skalbania signed Gretzky to a personal services contract.
The deal signed in 1978 was controversial but seen largely as a stepping stone for Gretzky as he looked to turn pro even before his 18th birthday. However, the Racers faced financial trouble, prompting the Racers to sell Gretzky’s contract to the Edmonton Oilers, then of the WHA, to raise capital for Skalbania’s other business ventures.
When the WHA eventually folded following the 1979 season, the Oilers were invited to join the NHL with three other WHA franchises. Gretzky entered the NHL during the 1979-80 season but was deemed ineligible for the Calder Trophy as he had already played one season of pro hockey.
As such, the only major trophy that Gretzky did not capture during his illustrious career was the Calder, despite tying Marcel Dionne for the league lead in points during his first NHL season with 137.