Wayne Gretzky's NHL Draft Lottery Revelation Sparks 'Rigging' Rumors Among Fans

Rewinding back to 2007, Gretzky was coaching the Phoenix Coyotes (now the Utah Hockey Club), and draft lotteries were nothing like the grand televised events we see today. Instead, they were conducted over the phone-a thought that seems almost archaic in today's world of high-stakes sports entertainment.

Gretzky recounted how, during that phone-in draft lottery, there was a moment of euphoria within the Coyotes' camp. They believed they had secured the coveted first overall pick, a spot everyone knew would go to Patrick Kane, the highly touted prospect who was set to transform any franchise. But then came the twist: the official running the draft made a significant slip-up. He mistakenly announced «Phoenix Coyotes» as the winner when, in reality, the first pick belonged to the Chicago Blackhawks.

This mix-up left the Coyotes with the third overall pick, a far cry from the number one spot. They ended up selecting Kyle Turris, a talented player, but one who never reached the generational level that Kane did. One can only wonder how different Gretzky's coaching career might have turned out if they had secured Kane, who went on to become a key figure in Chicago's eventual dynasty and resurgence as an NHL powerhouse.

What makes this story even more captivating is how it feeds into the widespread belief that the NHL draft lottery is skewed to favor larger markets in need of revitalization. In 2007, Chicago was struggling both on and off the ice, a once-proud franchise in desperate need of a star player to rekindle its fanbase. The slip that revealed Phoenix as the initial winner of the lottery only to be corrected to Chicago fits this theory all too well. It's easy to see why skeptics might latch onto this as evidence of the league's desire to boost premier markets.

This story from Gretzky isn't just a look back at what could have been for the Coyotes but also a glimpse into the drama and conspiracy theories that often surround the NHL draft lottery.