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Cody Ceci officially passes Wayne Gretzky in shocking career stat


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Liam McCormick
July 29, 2025  (9:47 PM)
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Cody Ceci with the Edmonton Oilers
Photo credit: USA Today Sport

Former Oilers defenceman Cody Ceci, who isn't the greatest player ever, has officially surpassed Wayne Gretzky in career earnings with his new contract.

Ceci signed a 4 year, $18M contract with the Los Angeles Kings this summer in free agency. It was a salary and term higher than anyone expected, and moved him past the Great One in career earnings.

Cody Ceci passes Wayne Gretzky in total career earnings from hockey

Wayne Gretzky was estimated to have made near $50M in his time in the NHL, a number that Ceci will surpass by the end of his current contract with LA.
Now of course, $50M was a lot different in 1990 than it is today - but it's still fascinating to see how a run of the mill defenceman are passing Gretzky's career earnings now.
It also gives an opportunity to go into what Gretzky was actually paid out in his career. With the Edmonton Oilers, Gretzky had a 10 year contract paying him just $300K annually for a total of $3M. They had the best player in history on a bargain, but Oilers ownership had to trade him because they couldn't afford it anymore.
Gretzky got his raise when he signed a 9 year contract in Los Angeles with a $3.7M AAV, playing there until he was traded to St. Louis. Signing his last contract with the New York Rangers for $6M AAV took his career earnings to a total of just near $50M.
Just going off Gretzky's final year in 1999, his $50M career earnings would be worth $88M today, and his previous years would add to that number.
Either way, the gap between Ceci and Gretzky is shockingly close - especially for a player that's been ragged on by every fanbase he's played for.
Back with former Edmonton GM Ken Holland in Los Angeles now, hopefully the Oilers will be able to expose Ceci's defensive weaknesses should they meet again in the playoffs.
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Cody Ceci officially passes Wayne Gretzky in shocking career stat

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