Thirty-seven years ago today, on August 9, 1988, the hockey world was shaken to its core when Wayne Gretzky, arguably the greatest player in NHL history, was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings. This event, often referred to as "The Trade," sent shockwaves throughout Canada and the entire hockey community. While the trade itself was a monumental event, the story of how the news initially broke is equally captivating.
As Keith Olbermann recounted, then working at KTLA Channel 5 in Los Angeles, he received a series of unexpected phone calls that set the scoop in motion. Viewers reported seeing Kings owner Bruce McNall at a local golf course, openly proclaiming that he had just traded for Gretzky and urging people to buy tickets. Skeptical at first, Olbermann initially dismissed the calls as a potential prank from a rival news station. However, the calls persisted, and the details became increasingly convincing. The clincher came when a fan claimed to be in possession of the actual check for part of the trade payment. This was enough evidence for Olbermann to proceed. He quickly crafted a script, and with the assistance of his colleague Gordon Edes, the information was disseminated via the Associated Press wire.
The trade saw the Los Angeles Kings acquire Wayne Gretzky, along with Mike Krushelnyski and Marty McSorley. In exchange, the Edmonton Oilers received Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, three first-round draft picks, and $15 million in cash. At the time, Gretzky was 27 years old and had already secured his place as a legend, holding 43 NHL scoring records and having won eight Hart Trophies as the league's MVP in his nine seasons with the Oilers. He had also led the Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships in the previous five years.
The reaction to the trade was intense, particularly in Edmonton, where Gretzky was considered a national treasure. Oiler fans were devastated, with many expressing their feelings through protests and threats to cancel season tickets. Some fans even blamed Gretzky's recent marriage to American actress Janet Jones for his departure. Gretzky himself stated that he felt it was the right time for a change, saying the trade was made "for the benefit of Wayne Gretzky, my new wife, and our expected child in the new year".
The impact of the Gretzky trade on the Los Angeles Kings and the NHL was significant. The Kings' franchise value doubled, and the team reached the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 1993. Gretzky's arrival in Los Angeles also fueled the growth of hockey in Southern California and other non-traditional markets, paving the way for new teams and increasing the league's popularity in the United States. While the Oilers won another Stanley Cup in 1990 without Gretzky, the team was never quite the same.
Even 34 years later, the repercussions of "The Trade" continue to be felt throughout the NHL. The players and draft picks involved in the deal have been traded multiple times, creating a complex web of connections that link various teams and players. The trade also serves as a reminder of the business side of hockey and the impact that a single player can have on a franchise and an entire league.
