Should Gretzky Be With Team?

Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic has an interesting take on the Wayne Gretzky situation in Phoenix. Bickley feels “The Great One” should be in camp with his team and he makes a strong case as to why.

“I think all of the distractions and things we are going through can be a rallying point for this team,” Maloney said. “This time a year ago, there were a lot of people who were optimistic, projecting us to be a playoff team
. I didn’t feel it. This year, I feel it. I think were legit. I have really good vibes from this group.”

And that’s exactly why Gretzky should be here.

Forget that his absence makes him look selfish, too big for the fray. Forget that it magnifies an unstable situation, further embarrassing an organization that has paid him a ridiculous sum of money over the years. Had Gretzky shown up, he would’ve told his team by example that they were all in this nightmare together. That would’ve gone a long way inside the dressing room.

Instead, he is protecting his interests, his name and his dignity. At least that’s how it appears. And in Arizona, it doesn’t help his tarnished image one bit.

Bickley makes a very good point and makes plenty of sense. It does look like Gretzky is being selfish in this ordeal. It will be interesting to see how the players feel about him, if and when he comes back to the team.