BREAKING NEWS: NHL legend Wayne Gretzky has spoken out, criticizing and expressing his dissatisfaction with Evan Bouchard’s performance in Game 6, saying, “Bouchard wore a Panthers jersey, he made me feel ashamed!” Bouchard’s response to the NHL legend was truly astonishing…

Claim:
Recent viral posts on Facebook and lesser-known websites have claimed that NHL legend Wayne Gretzky harshly criticized Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard for allegedly wearing a Florida Panthers jersey, calling it “shameful.” The story suggests that Bouchard responded with shock and disbelief, creating a buzz among hockey fans online.

🔎 What Actually Happened

After thorough review, there is no evidence that this exchange ever occurred.

No credible news outlets—including NHL.com, Sportsnet, TSN, ESPN, or The Athletic—have reported any such incident involving Gretzky and Bouchard.

A review of Wayne Gretzky’s public appearances, interviews, and statements reveals no record of these alleged comments.

Evan Bouchard has not been seen wearing a Panthers jersey at any public event, game, or media appearance.

Social media posts making this claim link back to clickbait-style websites known for publishing sensational or false stories without evidence or proper sourcing.

📉 Why This Story Went Viral

The NHL Stanley Cup Finals between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers has drawn massive attention in 2025. Tensions are high, and any perceived drama involving legends like Gretzky—often dubbed “The Great One”—quickly captures attention.

Fake stories like this thrive during playoff seasons because fans are emotionally invested, and controversial headlines spread fast on social media.

🧠 What We Know About Both Individuals

Wayne Gretzky is known for being respectful and measured in his commentary. Since retiring, he has largely remained above locker room controversies and has shown great support for the next generation of players.

Evan Bouchard, on the other hand, is one of the Oilers’ rising stars and has not been involved in any known incidents of disrespect or conduct that would warrant this kind of public scolding—even if it were true.

Wayne Gretzky Applauded Panthers’ Classy Move for First-Time Stanley Cup Winners

Florida celebrated its milestone win in style.

Nate Schmidt controls the puck during Game 5 against the Oilers. Nate Schmidt controls the puck during Game 5 against the Oilers. / Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Over the last decade, back-to-back champions have become a bit of a habit in the NHL.

The Florida Panthers downed the Edmonton Oilers 5–1 Tuesday to win Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, joining the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017 and the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021 as recent back-to-back winners. Accordingly, many players on the Panthers’ roster already had a Cup victory to their name in 2024.

When it came time to hoist the Stanley Cup, then, Florida’s returnees ceded first dibs on the trophy to those winning the Cup for the first time.

That supremely sporting move drew praise from TNT analyst and Hall of Fame center Wayne Gretzky.

“It just shows you how unique this hockey club is that they’ve handed the trophy to every first-time player,” Gretzky said on the broadcast. “I thought for sure (left wing Brad) Marchand would be the first guy to get it, but they went completely the opposite direction and made sure the guys that had never won it before got to lift the Stanley Cup first. That just shows you the uniqueness of their team.”

Notable first-time winners included 12-year veteran defenseman Nate Schmidt, one-time Columbus Blue Jackets star defenseman Seth Jones (whose father has an NBA title as a Denver Nuggets assistant), and well-traveled goalie Vitek Vanecek.