Exclusive: Wayne Gretzky's Game-Worn Gloves from Last Oilers Stanley Cup Run Up for Auction

Historic Gretzky game-worn gloves from the 1988 Stanley Cup finals are now up for auction, with bids expected to reach up to $600,000.

Exclusive: Wayne Gretzky's Game-Worn Gloves from Last Oilers Stanley Cup Run Up for Auction

A significant piece of hockey history is headed to auction as a pair of gloves worn by Wayne Gretzky during his final Stanley Cup run with the Edmonton Oilers is now open for bidding. The gloves, which accompanied "The Great One" through the intense battles of the 1988 NHL playoffs, have surfaced as one of the most coveted artifacts from Gretzky’s storied career.

According to an announcement from Sotheby’s, these game-worn gloves have been “photo matched” to Gretzky’s last appearance with the Oilers, ensuring their authenticity and unique place in the annals of hockey memorabilia. The auction house estimates that this piece of NHL lore could command a price between $400,000 and $600,000 when bidding closes on June 16.

The 1988 NHL playoffs marked a defining moment not just for Gretzky but for the entire Edmonton franchise. Gretzky delivered a phenomenal postseason performance, registering 43 points in just 19 games. His leadership on the ice was instrumental as the Oilers clinched their fourth Stanley Cup in five years, sweeping the Boston Bruins in a decisive final series. This victory would ultimately be Gretzky’s last with the Oilers before his landmark trade to the Los Angeles Kings, a move that altered the landscape of professional hockey and ended his championship run.

The timing of the glove auction coincides with renewed excitement in the hockey world, as the Edmonton Oilers prepare to face off against the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Final. The auction serves as a reminder of Edmonton’s legacy and Gretzky’s lasting influence on the sport, drawing fans and collectors alike to the opportunity to own a tangible piece of NHL history.

With the bidding already underway, hockey enthusiasts and memorabilia collectors are watching closely to see how high the price will climb for this rare artifact associated with one of the greatest players ever to take the ice.