Breaking it down, Gretzky passed up on a colossal 375% salary hike and a quarter ownership of the Canucks. Instead, he stuck with the Edmonton Oilers, prioritizing the pursuit of more Stanley Cup victories.
Jump to today, the Canucks are valued at a whopping $1.32 billion. Gretzky's hypothetical 25% ownership would now be sitting at $330 million today. While some might scratch their heads at choosing championships over immediate cash, Gretzky's decision reflects his unwavering dedication to on-ice success.
Looking back, some might argue it could be one of the most significant financial choices in NHL history. Nevertheless, Gretzky's current net worth sits comfortably at $250 million, showing that even without the Canucks offer, he is doing just fine.