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Gretzky needs nothing to remind him of why he wears the unusual number 99 on his blue-and-orange Oilers uniform. His $5 million-plus contract runs until 1999, with an option to renegotiate sooner. A friend asked if he would demand more money after this season's stellar performance. Gretzky replied, "Naw. If I'd had a bad year, I wasn't going to give the money back." Oilers Owner Peter Pocklington is enthusiastic: "I was offered $2 million for him, but $10 million wouldn't buy him. There's no price on greatness." Toronto Owner Harold Ballard can think of one. "I'd trade my whole team for the kid, and throw in the farm club too."
Gretzky makes almost as much in endorsements for hockey equipment, jeans and razors (although he has to shave only twice a week) as he does in salary, but he allows himself a modest $150 a month spending money. While many youngsters his age would still be playing semi-pro hockey, Gretzky responds like a seasoned veteran. Slightly injured early in a game last year by a Pittsburgh player, Gretzky winked at the trainer: "How is the crowd taking this?"
The crowds are taking it just fine, but wonder if Gretzky's greatness can carry the Oilers past the defending champion New York Islanders this week in the quarterfinals. "I can pass the puck all night," says Gretzky, "but someone has to put it in the net. One guy can't win or lose the Stanley Cup." If Wayne cannot do it, there are more Gretzkys back in Brantford. Brother Keith, 14, is already topping Wayne's junior records. Glen, 11, and Brent, 9, are coming up fast. Oldtimers are shaking their heads. The National Gretzky League?
—By J. D. Reed. Reported by Ed Ogle/ Vancouver