Wayne Gretzky’s final Edmonton Oilers jersey from the 1988 Stanley Cup Final fetches a staggering $2.806 million at auction, claiming the title of the most expensive hockey jersey ever sold.
Record-Breaking Sale Surpasses Previous High
The sweater, worn during Game 4 of the series against the Boston Bruins, eclipses the prior record of $1.452 million set by the same jersey in 2022. Enhanced authentication from experts confirms Gretzky donned it not only in Game 4 but also Game 1 and three additional contests.
Historic Games Linked to the Jersey
Among those games stands out March 1, 1988, when the Oilers faced the Los Angeles Kings. Gretzky surpassed Gordie Howe’s all-time assists record, reaching 1,050. The Oilers secured their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup that year with a sweep over the Bruins.
Game 4’s Dramatic Power Outage
Game 4, starting May 24 at Boston Garden, ended in controversy. Tied 3-3, a power failure struck due to a faulty switchgear and failed emergency generator. After a prolonged delay, NHL President John Ziegler Jr. suspended play. Officials rescheduled and restarted the game from scratch at Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton on May 26, where the Oilers triumphed 6-3.
Gretzky’s Trade and Legacy
Just three months later, Oilers owner Peter Pocklington traded Gretzky, Marty McSorley, and Mike Krushelnyski to the Kings for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, three first-round draft picks, and $15 million in cash. The Oilers claimed another Cup in 1990 against the Bruins amid yet another Boston Garden blackout. Gretzky retired in 1999 without securing further championships.
