In a jaw-dropping move that has stunned the hockey world, the Colorado Avalanche have officially signed NHL legend **Wayne Gretzky** as their new head coach in a record-breaking deal worth **£80 million** (approximately \$104 million USD), set to run until the **2030 NHL season**.
This unexpected announcement was confirmed by the Avalanche front office early Tuesday morning, just hours after reports began circulating of high-level negotiations between the two parties. The deal makes Gretzky the **highest-paid coach in NHL history** and signals the team’s aggressive ambition to reclaim the Stanley Cup.
### A Bold New Chapter
Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, brings a legendary résumé to the Avalanche bench. While he has previously held executive and advisory roles — including time as the Vice Chairman of the Edmonton Oilers and a coaching stint with the Phoenix Coyotes — this marks his most serious return to the NHL spotlight in years.
“I’m honored and excited to be back behind the bench, especially with a franchise as storied and talented as the Avalanche,” Gretzky said in a statement released by the team. “This roster is filled with heart, talent, and a hunger for greatness. I can’t wait to get started.”
### Avalanche’s Ambition
The Colorado Avalanche, who last won the Stanley Cup in 2022, have struggled with consistency in recent seasons, failing to make it past the second round in the past two playoffs. With a stacked lineup featuring stars like **Nathan MacKinnon**, **Cale Makar**, and **Mikko Rantanen**, the team believes Gretzky’s leadership and vision will be the missing piece.
Team owner **Stan Kroenke** spoke highly of the deal, calling Gretzky’s arrival a “generational move.”
“We’re not just hiring a coach; we’re embracing a philosophy of excellence,” Kroenke said. “Wayne Gretzky embodies that better than anyone in the sport.”
### NHL Community Reacts
Reactions across the hockey world have been swift and passionate. Former players, analysts, and fans took to social media to express shock and excitement over the news.
TSN’s Darren Dreger called it “the most electrifying coaching hire in modern NHL history,” while ESPN’s Linda Cohn tweeted, “The Great One behind the bench? It’s happening. And it’s historic.”
### What’s Next?
Gretzky is expected to hold an official press conference at Ball Arena later this week. Training camp begins in September, and fans are already speculating about how “The Great One” will reshape Colorado’s on-ice identity.
Whether this bold move translates to silverware remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the eyes of the hockey world are now fixed on Denver.
