NHL Legend Signs Contract Extension for NHL ON TNT

Published: October 8, 2025

By Mallory Mattingly

Former NHL player Wayne Gretzky signed a contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery to continue with NHL ON TNT.

“Listen, we are not trying to reinvent the wheel,” Gretzky said about NHL ON TNT. “We are largely riding the coattails of what those guys on INSIDE THE NBA have done so phenomenally. They know the game, but they are positive, and their personalities come through, even if they don’t always agree.”

Liam McHugh hosts the show, joined by Gretzky, Paul Bissonnette, Anson Carter and Henrik Lundqvist, as they analyze “the league’s top matchups and personalities from puck drop through the Stanley Cup Playoffs.”

“We might disagree about a play or a player or a team, but there’s no animosity,” Gretzky added. “Nobody tries to take over the microphone or take over the camera. We are a team, just like a hockey team.”

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McHugh credits Gretzky’s hockey knowledge for NHL ON TNT’s success.

“I don’t think the show would exist without him,” McHugh said, per Variety. “He is a fan. He loves sports. He loves hockey, and he truly wants the players to be successful.”

According to Britannica, Gretzky, nicknamed “The Great One,” is considered to be the greatest player in NHL history. His pro hockey career began in 1978 and included nine seasons with the Edmonton Oilers.

He set “numerous NHL records, including for most points (2,857) and goals (894),” and the latter feat was only surpassed this year by Alex Ovechkin.

Gretzky retired after the 1998-99 season and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999.

“I wasn’t better than everyone else, but I had preparation,” he said recently of his career success. “I had respect for every player that I played with and every player that I played against.”

He continues to honor his former teammates, recently remembering Garnet Edward “Ace” Bailey, who died in the 9/11 attacks.

“Ace Bailey was more than a teammate during my rookie season; he was a mentor, a guide, and like family to me,” Gretzky said. “He and Kathy opened their home and their hearts, showing me the ropes both on and off the ice. Our bond only grew stronger over the years, and his friendship has been a gift that I’ll always treasure.”

“On this solemn day, my thoughts are with Ace’s wife Kathy, Bob Sweeney’s family, Mark Bavis’s family, and with all the heroes we lost on this tragic day. We remember them, honour them, and we give thanks to the first responders who continue to inspire us with their courage,” he added.