Kings Ransom: Revisiting the “Trade of the Century”

36 years ago, on August 9, 1988, NHL history was made when one of the most significant events occurred: Wayne Gretzky, often hailed as the greatest hockey player of all time, was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings. . This transaction was more than a simple exchange; could be the most shocking trade of all time.

Gretzky, who led the Oilers to four Stanley Cups in the 1980s, was the heart and soul of Edmonton’s winning streak. The ripple effect of the trade caused mass confusion in Edmonton and the beginning of a new chapter for the Kings.

The Kings acquired Gretzky in a massive deal that also included Mike Krushelnyski and Marty McSorley from the Edmonton Oilers, in exchange for Martin Gelinas, Jimmy Carson, three first-round picks in 1989 (Jason Miller), 1991 (Martin Rucinsky), 1993 (Nick Stajduhar) and US$15 million in cash.

Gretzky’s move to Los Angeles immediately brought the Kings into the spotlight and added credibility to the team. His presence boosted the team’s performance and significantly raised the NHL’s profile in the American market. The Kings made the playoffs every year Gretzky was with them and even reached the Stanley Cup Final in 1993, in what may be the most controversial decision of all time, which saw Gretzky attack Toronto Maple Leafs captain Douglas Gilmour . Referee Kerry Fraser did not award a penalty and Gretzky scored the winning goal to fight for Game 7.

This agreement created a wave of interest in hockey across the country, which helped the league flourish and expand in the years that followed. Gretzky’s trade with Los Angeles was more than just a transaction; it was a turning point that changed both the NHL and the organization.

36 years later, Gretzky is still considered the greatest player of all time. He scored 894 goals and 1,963 assists for 2,857 points, which included 50 hat tricks, the most of any NHL player in those categories.