Wayne Gretzky is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. He played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for four teams from 1979 to 1999. Donald Trump served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. - Donald Trump issued a statement defending Wayne Gretzky after Gretzky received criticism from Canadians. - The criticism stemmed from Gretzky's perceived support of Trump and the United States. - Trump declared Gretzky a 'free agent' in the context of the controversy. - The controversy arose after a fiery hockey clash between Canada and the USA.