Wayne Gretzky St. Louis Blues Former Ice Hockey Right Winger who is currently working as a part-time hockey analyst for TNT’s NHL coverage and as a brand ambassador for BetMGM Sends a Stunning message to the Head coach Jim Montgomery-“It’s Time to…
Wayne Gretzky isn’t just a legend on the ice—he’s become a voice that echoes loudly across the NHL whenever he speaks. And this week, he made headlines once again, sending a clear and pointed message to Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery that has fans and analysts buzzing.
Though Gretzky only briefly played for the St. Louis Blues during the twilight of his career, his name still carries enormous weight in every NHL locker room. These days, “The Great One” serves as a part-time hockey analyst for TNT’s NHL coverage and as a brand ambassador for BetMGM. But when he speaks about the game, it’s clear he still views it through the sharp eyes of a generational player, not just a commentator.
In a segment aired during TNT’s playoff coverage this week, Gretzky made an unexpected pivot from his usual role of analyzing games to issuing a direct message to Montgomery—calling for the coach to make a significant change in approach.
> “Jim’s a great coach, no doubt,” Gretzky began. “But sometimes, great coaches need to hear that it’s time to shift gears—especially when you’ve got a team that’s underperforming at this stage.”
Gretzky didn’t hold back in his critique, citing what he described as “a lack of urgency” and “predictability” in Montgomery’s offensive strategy. He stressed that while Boston has the depth and talent to make a deep playoff run, the system they’re running has become too conservative—and easy to defend.
> “You can’t win in today’s NHL just hoping the other team makes mistakes,” Gretzky said. “You’ve got to force them. You’ve got to pressure the puck, activate your defense, and create chaos around the net. Right now, Boston’s just playing it too safe.”
The timing of Gretzky’s comments has raised eyebrows, especially considering the Bruins’ early playoff exit this year and growing concerns about the team’s aging core. Montgomery, who took over as head coach two seasons ago, has brought structure and discipline to the Bruins’ system—but critics, now including Gretzky, believe the team’s playstyle may be too rigid for postseason success.
Gretzky emphasized that this wasn’t a personal jab at Montgomery, but a passionate plea from one hockey mind to another.
> “I’ve got nothing but respect for Jim. But respect doesn’t mean silence. If I see something holding a team back, I’m going to speak up,” Gretzky added. “Coaches need to adapt. This league doesn’t wait for anyone.”
The message wasn’t all criticism, though. Gretzky praised Montgomery’s ability to build team chemistry and structure—particularly his work in developing younger talent. However, he suggested that Montgomery’s next step as a coach has to be about risk: trusting players to make bold plays and allowing offensive instincts to flourish.
> “At the end of the day, you can’t coach creativity out of players,” Gretzky said. “You’ve got to let your playmakers play. Let them make mistakes. That’s how the magic happens.”
Interestingly, the comment struck a chord with players and fans alike. Several Bruins players reportedly saw the clip before practice and privately expressed agreement with Gretzky’s assessment. One veteran forward, speaking anonymously, said, “Wayne hit the nail on the head. We’ve been holding back. It’s time to open things up.”
For Gretzky, who has generally maintained a diplomatic and respectful tone as an analyst, this kind of direct message is rare—and that’s exactly why it’s been taken so seriously.
Known for his nearly telepathic vision on the ice and his calm, composed demeanor off it, Gretzky’s words carry more weight than most. And when someone who is arguably the greatest hockey player of all time gives you advice, you listen.
As for Montgomery, he has yet to issue a public response—but insiders suggest that he’s aware of the remarks and “taking them seriously.” Whether or not that leads to tactical adjustments this offseason remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: Gretzky’s message wasn’t just about X’s and O’s. It was about leadership, adaptation, and the will to win.
> “This isn’t about criticizing a coach,” Gretzky concluded. “It’s about challenging someone I respect to be even better. That’s what champions do.”
And coming from The Great One, that message might be just the spark Montgomery—and the Bruins—need.
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