Wayne Gretzky's legacy faces a new debate after Frank Nazar’s mega deal

Whenever hockey greatness begins to be discussed, no one ever forgets to mention the name Wayne Gretzky. He broke all records with breathtaking achievements, unmatched dominance, and the crowning title of "The Great One.

" However, a completely unforeseen turn of events has recently rocked the tough world of hockey: Young Chicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar has signed a massive new deal that could very well see him being paid more per game than what Gretzky ever did in his whole lifetime. The comparison turned into a heated debate from fans complaining about fairness, context, and legacy.

Frank Nazar’s record-breaking contract sparks outrage among fans

At 21 years of age, Frank Nazar is the epitome of hockey's modern financial reality.

His $46.13 million contract breaks down to an average of $6.59 million per season and a nearly $80,000 paycheck per game, should he play in all 82 games for the full season.

Wayne Gretzky took home roughly $46 million in 20 seasons of professional hockey; however, endorsement money could have pushed this figure close to $76 million. Understandably, the comparison between a rising star's per-game salary and what the greatest athlete ever earned has ignited much fury, with many fans labeling it disrespectful towards Gretzky's legacy.

Why Wayne Gretzky remains untouchable

Critics often say hockey was just a smaller financial affair back in the days of Gretzky. The NHL revenue then, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, went around $400-$700 million per year, against today's $6.2 billion revenue. By percentage of league revenue, many modern players actually never came close to Gretzky's earnings.

Beyond money, you have to look at what he did: four Stanley Cups, nine Hart Trophies, and an astounding 2,857 career points.

Also, his being traded to the Los Angeles Kings grew hockey in the U.S., setting up for the billion-dollar business that it is today.Also Read: Kitchener Rangers welcome talented defenseman Alex ForrestFrank Nazar's paycheck would no doubt raise eyebrows, but it simply points to how big the NHL has gotten since Gretzky's day. Salaries have inflated; sponsorships have exploded; media deals have gone through the roof-and all sorts of young stars are grabbing onto these new opportunities. Yet nothing can change what Wayne Gretzky has accomplished. The Great One didn't just rule the game on ice- he himself raised it as well.

There may be many online debates spawned by a rising forward's contract comparison to that of The Great One, but the answer is truthfully evident in history: Gretzky will forever be untouchable.