In a podcast interview with former NHL players Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette, Gretzky recounted how he passed up on a significant ownership stake in the Vancouver Canucks. The offer came from Nelson Skalbania, the man who signed Gretzky to a contract in the World Hockey Association.
Skalbania proposed giving Gretzky 25% ownership of the Canucks along with a substantial annual salary. At the time, Gretzky was the highest-paid player in hockey, earning $800,000 Canadian dollars per year.
Despite the lucrative offer, Gretzky declined, a decision he now considers foolish. He expressed disbelief at his own choice multiple times during the interview, emphasizing how he may still be kicking himself over it.
In hindsight, Gretzky acknowledged the missed opportunity, lamenting, "How dumb am I?"
