After Wayne Gretzky joined the New York Rangers as a free agent in 1996, it was the first time in his career he was not named a captain during his 20-season NHL career.
However, following an injury to Brian Leetch during the latter part of the 1997-98 season, Gretzky wore the Captain’s “C” for three games.
One of the jerseys worn during that little-known period, featuring the “C” on the front of the jersey and photo-matched to an April 7 game against the Montreal Canadiens, sold Sunday night at Grey Flannel Auctions for $295,492.80.
Following the game, Gretzky signed and inscribed the jersey to James Conway III, CEO of Titleserv. Conway’s company was one of the largest title agencies in the country prior to declaring bankruptcy following a lawsuit alleging it engaged in fraud and stole millions from its clients. The jersey was subsequently sold in a bankruptcy auction.
During the game, Gretzky scored his 884th goal of his career and got hit with a high stick, requiring stitches to his upper lip. Blood stains to the jersey are visible.
Gretzky’s final jersey from his Edmonton Oilers tenure sold for $1.45 million in 2022, a record for any NHL jersey.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct, the premier company for collectible culture.