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Wayne Gretzky's 1979 Edmonton Oilers Jersey - Sold for $1.29 Million

Wayne Gretzky is widely considered the greatest hockey player of all time, and his jerseys are among the most sought-after by collectors. In 2016, his 1979 Edmonton Oilers jersey was sold at an auction for a whopping $1.29 million. What makes this jersey so special is that it's from Gretzky's rookie season, and it's said to be the only game-worn Gretzky Oilers jersey in existence.

The buyer, Daryl Katz, a Canadian businessman and owner of the Oilers, said that he plans to display the jersey at the new Rogers Place arena in Edmonton.

Bobby Orr's 1970 Boston Bruins Jersey - Sold for $1.05 Million

Bobby Orr is considered one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history, and his jerseys are highly coveted by collectors. In 2011, his 1970 Boston Bruins jersey was sold for an impressive $1.05 million, making it one of the most expensive NHL jerseys ever sold. This jersey holds a special significance as it is from the season in which Orr won his second Stanley Cup and became the first defenseman to lead the league in scoring.

The buyer of this iconic jersey chose to remain anonymous.

Paul Coffey's 1984 Edmonton Oilers Jersey - Sold for $71,700

Paul Coffey was one of Gretzky's teammates during his time with the Oilers, and his jersey from the 1984-85 season was auctioned off in 2013 for $71,700. What makes this jersey so special is that it's from the season in which Coffey set a record for the most goals by a defenseman in a single season with 48.

The buyer of this jersey also remains unknown, but it's safe to assume that they're big fan of both Coffey and the Oilers.

Mario Lemieux's 1984 Canada Cup Jersey - Sold for $44,000

Mario Lemieux is another one of the greatest hockey players of all time, and his 1984 Canada Cup jersey was sold at an auction in 2015 for $44,000. What makes this jersey so special is that it's from the Canada Cup tournament, which was a precursor to the World Cup of Hockey. Lemieux scored the game-winning goal in the final against Team USA, securing Canada's first-ever Canada Cup victory.

The purchaser of this jersey remains a mystery as well, but they have acquired a priceless artifact that represents a significant chapter in hockey's rich history.

Steve Yzerman's 2002 Detroit Red Wings Jersey - Sold for $35,850

Steve Yzerman is a legend in Detroit, and his 2002 Red Wings jersey was sold at an auction in 2012 for $35,850. What makes this jersey so special is that it's from the season in which Yzerman led his team to their third Stanley Cup victory in six years.

While the identity of the buyer for this jersey remains undisclosed as well, it's highly likely that they possess an unwavering devotion to the Red Wings, given the significant value associated with this iconic piece of team memorabilia.

Ray Bourque's 1995 Boston Bruins Jersey - Sold for $29,280

Ray Bourque spent the majority of his career with the Boston Bruins, and his 1995 jersey was sold at an auction in 2014 for $29,280. What makes this jersey so special is that it's from the shortened 1994-95 season, which was Bourque's last season with the Bruins before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche.

The buyer of this jersey also chose to remain anonymous.

It's important to note that the prices of these jerseys are not indicative of the valuations of NHL teams or players in the present day. NHL betting odds have the Oilers listed among the bottom third most seasons based on their recent record, while other classic franchises like the Boston Bruins and Red Wings have struggled to make the playoffs in recent years.

Nonetheless, these iconic jerseys represent significant pieces of NHL history, and the high prices they fetch at auction are a testament to the truly special players and moments they are associated with.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NHL jerseys are more than just pieces of clothing. They represent the most iconic players, moments, and teams in the history of the sport. The jerseys listed above are some of the most expensive to ever be sold, and they are pieces of hockey history that collectors are willing to pay top dollar for.

Whether it's a Gretzky rookie jersey or a Yzerman Stanley Cup-winning jersey, these pieces are truly special, and they will always hold a special place in the hearts of hockey fans everywhere.