36 years ago today, on August 9, 1988, history was made in the NHL as 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; it may be the most shocking trade, ever.
THIS DATE IN 1988: Four-time #StanleyCup champion Wayne Gretzky is acquired by the @LAKings in a trade. Gretzky would go on to amass 246-672918 in 539 games through eight seasons with the franchise. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/ieGfTWEvLF
NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) August 9, 2024
Gretzky, who had 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 start of a fresh chapter for the Kings.
The Kings acquired Gretzky in a major 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 $15 million in cash.
35 years ago today, THE trade of the century happened and the GOAT became a King @WayneGretzky @NHL_On_TNT Kings received: Wayne Gretzky, Marty McSorley, Mike KrushelnyskiOilers received: Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, 3 first-round picks and cash pic.twitter.com/7OPgq33wBa
B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) August 9, 2023
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 it to the playoffs every year Gretzky was with them and even made it to the Stanley Cup Final in 1993, on what may be the most controversial call of all time, which saw Gretzky get his stick up on Toronto Maple Leafs’ captain Doug Gilmour. The referee Kerry Fraser didn’t call a penalty and Gretzky went on to score the game-winning goal to push for a Game 7.
Game 6 of the 93 series with LA is on @sportsnet 360. Watching as a fan I feel your emotions, this is the first time Ive seen it, lots of stuff you dont see when youre in the moment! @sportsnet @kfraserthecall @wendelclark17 #gretzky #gilmour pic.twitter.com/4KcK32Gst7
Doug Gilmour (@douggilmour) March 27, 2020
This deal created a surge of interest in hockey across the country, which helped the league flourish and expand in the years that followed. Gretzky’s trade to Los Angeles was more than just a transaction; it was a turning point that changed both the NHL and the organization.
On August 9, 1988, the @LAKings acquired Wayne Gretzky, Mike Krushelnyski, and Marty McSorley from the Edmonton Oilers for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, first round picks in 1989 (Jason Miller), 1991 (Martin Rucinsky), 1993 (Nick Stajduhar), and $15 million.#LAKings #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/0BfsiS4aWc
The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) August 9, 2024
36 years later, Gretzky is still deemed the greatest player ever. He had 894 goals, and 1,963 assists for 2,857 points, which included 50 hat-tricks, the most by any NHL player in those categories.