Gretzky To End Career In New York

Wayne Gretzky will return to the New York Rangers next season, although he said the team will need to make personnel changes to improve on a disappointing 1997-98 season.

Despite published reports that say he may want to finish his career outside New York as the Rangers try to rebuild their team, Gretzky told Fox's John Davidson that he will be at Rangers' training camp next season.

"I've said it before and many times after, this is my last stop and I won't play for another hockey team in this league," Gretzky said in an interview that aired before New York's 2-2 tie with Pittsburgh on Saturday.

"I'm sure the Rangers are going to make the necessary changes that will help improve this team and I plan on being front and center with that team next year."

The Rangers, who have the highest payroll in hockey, are currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, six points behind Ottawa for the last playoff spot with nine games remaining.

Gretzky, who has one year left in his contract that will pay him $5 million next season, is fourth in the league in scoring this season with 81 points. For his career, he has 882 goals and 1,904 assists, best in NHL history.

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