Wayne Gretzky doesn’t need ‘advice’ from former Islanders GM

The Great One, Wayne Gretzky has made his debut as a broadcaster on TNT’s NHL broadcast and the review of his performance is less than glowing if you ask former New York Islanders GM, Mike Milbury.

Which is pretty rich coming from a guy who was litterally fired from his punditry job with NBC. And that’s why Gretzky won’t and shouldn’t concern himself with this early critique from Mike.

Former New York Islanders GM Mike Milbury shouldn’t critique Wayne Gretzky’s broadcasting

Making an appearance on WEEI, Milbury made these, less than glowing comments about Wayne Gretzky’s debut as a TV broadcasting:

"“Can you make a comment about ‘The Great One’ and not be 100% positive? I needed a cup of coffee, to be honest with you. […] I think that Wayne is new to the job. He’s going to have to figure out that you got to bring some energy when you’re on camera. You just can’t be monotone.” -Mike Milbury on Wayne Gretzky"

Wow. Just wow. First and foremost, if anyone thought that Wayne Gretzky was going to join TNT and become their premier entertainer they should really go back and look at any interview with the Great One. That’s just not how Wayne Gretzky operates.

He’s a low-energy guy in front of a camera. He always has been. Which is why I said my expectations were low when it was announced that TNT signed him. He wasn’t going to be the NHL’s version of Shaquille O’Neil or Charles Barkley.

Wayne Gretzky has one job on that broadcast, and it’s simply being there. Of course, they want him to do more than simply stand there. But what they truly want from Wayne is the power of his name. TNT is new to the hockey world, so to legitimize their broadcast they went out and got the biggest name in the game; Wayne Gretzky.

Anything Gretzky does outside of simply showing up is gravy for TNT, and for the greater hockey audience. For years Gretzky and the NHL were ad odds with one another. Having him back around the game is a benefit to everyone.

Gretzky doesn’t need to take pointers from Mike here. Wayne is exactly what he should be doing.