Kings Ransom: A Look Back at the “Trade of the Century”

Today, 36 years ago, on August 9, 1988, history was made in the NHL when one of its most significant events took place: 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 just a trade; it is perhaps the most shocking trade ever.

Gretzky, who had led the Oilers to four Stanley Cups in the 1980s, was the heart and soul of Edmonton’s winning streak. The domino effect of the deal created mass confusion in Edmonton and the beginning of a new 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.

Gretzky’s move to Los Angeles immediately thrust the Kings into the spotlight and gave the team more credibility. His presence gave the team a boost and significantly increased the NHL’s standing in the American market. The Kings made the playoffs every year Gretzky was with them, even reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993, with perhaps the most controversial call ever, when Gretzky held up his stick to Toronto Maple Leafs captain Doug Gilmour. Referee Kerry Fraser did not call a penalty and Gretzky went on to score the winning goal to push it to a Game 7.

The deal created a wave of interest in hockey across the country, helping the league flourish and expand in the years that followed. Gretzky’s move to Los Angeles was more than just a trade; it was a turning point that changed both the NHL and the organization.

Thirty-six years later, Gretzky is still considered the greatest player ever, scoring 894 goals and 1,963 assists for 2,857 points, including 50 hat tricks, the most of any NHL player in those categories.