Wayne Gretzky
scored goal No. 802, eclipsing Howe as the NHL's all-time leading goal-scorer on March 23, 1994. Concluding the 1993-94 season, Gretzky captured his 10th and final Art Ross Trophy and added his fourth Lady Byng Trophy -- marking his 10th multiple-award campaign. He also received the Lester Patrick Trophy recognizing his outstanding contribution to hockey in the United States. In 1994-95, Gretzky led the Kings in scoring for the sixth time in seven seasons before being traded to the St. Louis Blues. On February 27, 1996, Gretzky went to the Blues in exchange for Craig Johnson, Roman Vopat, Patrice Tardif and two draft choices. As the Blues top scorer, he recorded 102 points (23 goals, 79 assists), reaching the 100-point plateau for the 15th time in his career. Gretzky led the Blues to within one goal of the Western Conference Finals that year.
On July 12, 1996, Gretzky signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers, joining his former Oilers teammate Mark Messier. He made an immediate impact in New York, posting a 15-game scoring streak in his first month with the club. He recorded 97 points as the Rangers' top scorer and tallied a League-leading 72 assists, tying the club's single season record for assists by a center.
In 1998, Gretzky realized another dream by competing for Canada at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan. He concluded the year with his seventh selection to the NHL's Second All-Star Team and was named a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship. He led the NHL in assists once again with 67, including the 1,851st of his career, which made his assists total greater than any other player's career points total. The final season of his playing career (1998-99) saw Gretzky build his grand totals to 894 goals and 1,963 assists for 2,857 points in 1,487 career games, capping a lifetime of thrills and achievement.
Gretzky played in his final game as an NHL player on April 18, 1999. Upon his retirement, Gretzky held or shared 61 NHL records (40 for regular season, 15 for Stanley Cup playoffs and 6 for All-Star Game). Following his final game, 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.