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Henrik Lundqvist and Wayne Gretzky re-sign multiyear deals with TNT Sports

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 21:07 GMT by Associated Press
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Wayne Gretzky and Henrik Lundqvist Team Up for a New TNT Hockey Series

The world of professional hockey is abuzz with the announcement that Wayne Gretzky, the legendary “Great One,” and former New York Rangers star Henrik Lundqvist will co‑host a brand‑new series on TNT. The program, slated to debut in the summer, promises a fresh look at the sport’s history and its modern era, blending Gretzky’s unparalleled on‑ice legacy with Lundqvist’s contemporary perspective as one of the game’s most celebrated goaltenders.

A New Era of Hockey Coverage on TNT

TNT has been steadily expanding its sports portfolio over the past decade, acquiring rights to a host of high‑profile events from the NBA and NFL. Its most ambitious move yet appears to be the introduction of a feature series that leverages the personalities of two hockey titans. The network has long been known for its “TNT Sports” brand, and this venture signals an earnest push to capture the attention of hockey fans nationwide—a demographic that, until now, has largely gravitated toward ESPN, NBC Sports, and the traditional “Hockey Night in Canada” broadcast.

The program will be structured as a weekly, half‑hour show that mixes studio analysis with live studio segments featuring special guests and archival footage. Gretzky and Lundqvist will share the commentary booth, with the latter offering a goaltender’s view on the game’s defensive strategies while the former provides his inside knowledge of offensive play, player development, and the evolution of the NHL. “The combination of Gretzky’s experience and Lundqvist’s modern lens makes for a unique storytelling platform,” said a spokesperson for TNT during a brief press release.

Gretzky: From Record‑Setting Player to Storyteller

Wayne Gretzky’s career is etched into the annals of the National Hockey League. Over 20 seasons, the Canadian right‑hander set almost every major record that still stands, including most goals (894), assists (1,963), and points (2,857). He’s been named the league’s Most Valuable Player a record nine times and has won the Stanley Cup twice with the Edmonton Oilers in 1984 and 1985.

Gretzky was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999, the same year he announced his retirement. Since then, he has pursued a variety of business ventures and philanthropic efforts. He was a minority owner and former head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes (now the Arizona Coyotes) and served on the board of the National Hockey League Players’ Association. However, none of these endeavors has captured the public’s imagination quite like his storied playing career.

In the past few years, Gretzky has also begun stepping into the broadcasting world. He served as a color commentator for several select games on ESPN’s “Sunday Night Hockey” and had a brief stint as a television analyst for the National Hockey League’s “Inside the NHL” feature on the NHL Network. These experiences have set the stage for the current TNT partnership, a natural progression for the “Great One” as he now channels his on‑ice expertise into an educational platform for fans old and new.

Lundqvist: The Modern Great Goaltender

Henrik Lundqvist’s career was most prominently associated with the New York Rangers, where he spent 15 seasons as the franchise’s starting goaltender. Drafted 34th overall in the 2000 NHL Draft, Lundqvist went on to earn 17 All‑Star selections, two Vezina Trophies (awarded to the league’s best goaltender) in 2010 and 2016, and the Ted Lindsay Award in 2012. He is widely regarded as one of the most reliable goaltenders in NHL history and was honored with the “Goalie of the Year” award by the NHL Alumni Association in 2017.

Following his 2018 contract extension with the Rangers, Lundqvist’s role shifted toward mentoring younger goaltenders and serving as a franchise ambassador. He was officially named a member of the Rangers’ “Team of the Century” in 2020 and has remained a beloved figure among New York fans. His reputation for leadership, resilience, and professionalism extends beyond the ice. Lundqvist has also become a popular figure on social media and in public speaking events, often discussing mental health and the importance of community support.

The Chemistry of the Duo

The collaboration between Gretzky and Lundqvist is rooted in a deep mutual respect for each other’s craft. In a rare interview for the TNT press release, Gretzky praised Lundqvist’s “poise in the crease and ability to read the game from a defensive perspective.” Lundqvist, in turn, noted Gretzky’s “deep understanding of the nuances of offense and how players fit into a system.” The two are set to dissect classic moments in NHL history, offer tactical breakdowns of modern gameplay, and conduct interviews with current and former players, coaches, and executives.

The show is also poised to incorporate a “player spotlight” segment, wherein Gretzky and Lundqvist interview rising stars and discuss their developmental trajectories. The hosts’ synergy is anticipated to generate both humor and insightful commentary, ensuring that the series appeals to hardcore fans and casual viewers alike.

Anticipated Impact and Reception

Industry analysts are optimistic that the Gretzky‑Lundqvist partnership could set a new benchmark for sports storytelling on cable television. “It’s a smart move by TNT,” says sports marketing consultant Laura Mendez, who has worked with several major networks. “When you pair a player with the most iconic record‑setter in history with a modern era legend who has a strong brand presence, you create a compelling narrative hook.”

The program will also dovetail with TNT’s larger strategy of capturing the “sports‑entertainment” niche. By offering a format that blends documentary elements, real‑time analysis, and interactive fan engagement—through social media hashtags and live question‑and‑answer sessions—the network hopes to cultivate a loyal viewership base that transcends traditional sports audiences.

A Glimpse into the Show’s Format

While the full episode lineup has not yet been released, early teasers suggest a mixture of classic footage and modern-day analysis. The first episode is rumored to focus on Gretzky’s 1987–88 season, where he set the single‑season point record, and will juxtapose that historic performance against Lundqvist’s own career highs. Subsequent episodes are expected to spotlight pivotal NHL moments such as the “Miracle on Ice,” the Rangers’ 1994‑95 Stanley Cup win, and the rise of the “New York Rangers 3‑0” offensive system in the early 2000s.

In addition, a “Road to the NHL” segment will feature Lundqvist discussing his journey from Swedish junior leagues to the NHL, offering practical advice to aspiring goaltenders. Gretzky, meanwhile, will provide insights into what it takes to maintain a winning culture and how coaching can shape a team's identity.

The Broader Picture

The Gretzky‑Lundqvist series is part of a broader trend in sports media that seeks to bridge the generational divide. By connecting the past and present through storytelling, networks like TNT can both preserve the rich heritage of sports and keep younger audiences engaged. In the case of hockey, the narrative is particularly potent: it allows fans to see how strategies, player conditioning, and fan culture have evolved.

Moreover, the partnership underscores a growing recognition of athletes as versatile media personalities. Gretzky’s foray into commentary and Lundqvist’s ongoing engagement with fans beyond the rink illustrate the expanding roles athletes can play in shaping the narrative surrounding their sport.

Final Thoughts

As the new season approaches, fans of the NHL and casual viewers alike will have an opportunity to see the game from a dual perspective: the legendary, record‑setting insight of Wayne Gretzky coupled with the modern, defensive mastery of Henrik Lundqvist. Whether you’re a long‑time fan of the Rangers, a former Oilers supporter, or someone who simply enjoys a good story about the beautiful game, the TNT series promises to be a must‑watch. The network’s gamble on this high‑profile collaboration could well redefine how hockey is presented on cable television and may well become a benchmark for future sports documentaries and analysis shows.