Coming off of an unprecedented third straight MVP run as the new NHL record holder for most goals in a season (92), the 1982 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year was a force to be reckoned with and showed zero signs of slowing down through his first three years in the league. Often referred to as the most revolutionary player in hockey history, Wayne Gretzky utilized his nifty skating, precise shooting, and unselfish play to completely rewrite the dynamics of how team hockey should be played. Playing alongside fellow all-time greats such as Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, Jari Kurri, and Glenn Anderson, Gretzky became the glue the Oilers needed to spark the most impressive decade of hockey ever producing four Stanley Cup titles and seven Hart Memorial trophies during the ‘80s.

This Sports Illustrated cover print 1982 Sportsman of the Year is autographed by Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky’s signature was witnessed by an Upper Deck representative as part of UDA’s 5-step authentication process. This item is not limited.