Why did Edmonton trade Wayne Gretzky?

Shortly after winning the 1988 Stanley Cup, Gretzky was told by his father that the Oilers were looking to trade him. Pocklington's business ventures weren't doing well and he was in dire need of some cash. As a result, he was shopping Gretzky around with the demand of getting $15 million back in return.

Why did Wayne Gretzky get traded from the Oilers?

Gretzky had just married actress Janet Jones and was spending part of the summer living in the Hollywood home of actor Alan Thicke. Knowing that Gretzky was living in Los Angeles and certain he wouldn't re-sign with the Oilers when his contract expired, Pocklington accepted McNall's offer.

Why did Gretzky leave Edmonton Oilers?

In a statement posted to social media, Gretzky cited an inability to give the role the attention it requires. "The Oilers, their fans, and the city of Edmonton have meant the world to me and my family for over four decades — and that will never end," Gretzky wrote.

What did Edmonton get for Wayne Gretzky?

The trade that most thought could never happen was made on this date 28 years ago. Wayne Gretzky, the captain and the heart and soul of the dynastic Edmonton Oilers, was traded on Aug. 9, 1988, sent to the Los Angeles Kings along with center Mike Krushelnyski and defenseman Marty McSorley.

Did Gretzky request a trade?

For his own part, Gretzky maintains that he had nothing to do with the trade. Despite the fact that he had just married Janet Jones, then a rising Hollywood actress just a month prior to the trade to Los Angeles, Gretzky claimed to have not wanted to leave Edmonton.

What did the Kings trade for Gretzky?

The Trade. On August 9, 1988, the unthinkable happened. The Oilers traded Gretzky to the LA Kings. The trade was Gretzky, Marty McSorely (D) and Mike Krushelnski (C/LW), for Jimmy Carson (C), Martin Gelinas (LW), the Kings first-round draft picks in 1989, 1991 and 1993, along with $15 million in cash.

Who did the Blues trade for Gretzky?

1996: Wayne Gretzky is traded to the St. Louis Blues by the Los Angeles Kings for forwards Craig Johnson, Patrice Tardif, Roman Vopat, the Blues' first-round pick in the 1997 NHL Draft (Matt Zultek) and a fifth-round pick in the 1996 NHL Draft (Peter Hogan).

Was Gretzky drafted?

Despite his somewhat vague situation, Wayne Gretzky was, in fact, never drafted into the NHL. When the Oilers joined the NHL, Gretzky was signed to a “personal services” contract, allowing the Oilers to retain his rights and for Gretzky to never enter the NHL Entry Draft.

Does Gretzky own the Oilers?

In 2004, Gretzky was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. In September 2009, following the Phoenix Coyotes' bankruptcy, Gretzky resigned as head coach and relinquished his ownership share. In October 2016, he became partner and vice-chairman of Oilers Entertainment Group.

What team did the LA Kings trade Gretzky to?

Original trade

On Aug. 9, 1988, the Oilers, just two months removed from lifting the Stanley Cup, sent Gretzky, Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski to the Kings in exchange for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, Los Angeles' first-round draft picks in 1989, 1991 and 1993, as well as $15 million in cash.

How much did Peter Pocklington sell the Oilers for?

A decade after buying Wayne Gretzky from Nelson Skalbania for the bargain price of $700,000, Pocklington cashed in and sold his prized possession for $15,000,000. It all started back in the late-1970s when Gretzky posted a 182-point season for the Soo Greyhounds and 17 points for Canada at the World Juniors.

How many times Gretzky traded?

There is a saying in hockey when asked about a player potentially getting traded that goes: If Gretzky got traded anyone can get traded. In his NHL tenure Gretzky ended up getting traded twice, and signed with a new team as an unrestricted free agent once bringing his total to play for four teams.

Who is the greatest hockey player ever?

Wayne Gretzky shattered long-standing records, notably scoring an unprecedented 894 goals. He also earned four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers (1984–85, 1987–88) and was named the NHL's MVP nine (!) times (1980–87, 1989).

Can you wear 00 in the NHL?

The number 00 has only been worn twice in NHL history. Martin Biron wore 00 for the 1996 season with the Buffalo Sabres, but only appeared in three games and had an 0-2 record. The only other time the number appeared on an NHL surface was by goaltender John Davidson in his 1977-78 campaign with the New York Rangers.

Why did Mario Lemieux wear 66?

He went on to score 100 points that season and won the Calder Trophy for best rookie. It was inevitable that Lemieux would be compared with Wayne Gretzky, the greatest player of his day. Lemieux chose to wear number 66, a modest reference to Gretzky's 99.

Can a 17 year old play in the NHL?

Eligible players

All players who will be 18 years old on or before September 15 and not older than 19 years old before December 31 of the draft year are eligible for selection for that year's NHL Entry Draft. In addition, non-North American players over the age of 20 are eligible.

How did Edmonton get draisaitl?

The younger Draisaitl blossomed with Prince Albert in the Western Hockey League. The forward was Prince Albert's signature player for two seasons before the Edmonton Oilers selected him with the No. 3 pick in the 2014 NHL Draft.

Why did Mario Lemieux retire so early in his NHL career?

He retired on two occasions due to these health issues, first in 1997 after battling lymphoma before returning in 2000, and then a second and final time in 2006 after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Lemieux also missed the entire 1994–95 season due to Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Why did Gretzky leave the Blues?

In the second round of the playoffs against the Red Wings, the Blues fell behind and Gretzky didn't' look like his former self. So as what some saw as a motivational tool, Keenan pulled the contract offer to Gretzky off the table. After the season, Gretzky went on to sign with the New York Rangers.

Why did Gretzky get traded to St. Louis?

They were going to have to rebuild, but Gretzky wanted out. He wanted a chance to win that elusive fifth Cup, and wanted to be moved to a contender. When he was ultimately dealt to St. Louis, this was a move that was supposed to make the Blues contenders in the West alongside Colorado and Detroit.

Did Gretzky play for St. Louis?

Wayne Gretzky trade

Louis Blues acquired Wayne Gretzky from the Los Angeles Kings for Craig Johnson, Patrice Tardif, Roman Vopat and draft picks. In 18 regular season games with the Blues, Gretzky recorded 21 points as the Blues qualified for the playoffs for the 17th straight season with a record of 32–34–16.

How much is a Wayne Gretzky Kings card worth?

The estimated market value is $6.86.

Prices range from $0.01 to $2,100.00. Select comparables to estimate value.

How many Stanley Cups has Wayne Gretzky?

As centre and team captain, Gretzky led the Oilers to four Stanley Cup victories (in the 1983–84, 1984–85, 1986–87, and 1987–88 seasons).

Who was better Gretzky or Howe?

Wayne Gretzky on the legacy of Gordie Howe

Howe led the NHL in goals five times, was runner-up five times, and led the League in scoring six times. Howe won the Hart Trophy as NHL most valuable player six times and was a finalist six other times. Only Wayne Gretzky (nine) has won the Hart Trophy more often.

Who is better Mario Lemieux or Wayne Gretzky?

Gretzky is widely regarded as the greatest player in NHL history and holds nearly every possible offensive record. Lemieux has the second-highest points-per-game rate in history and appeared in less than 1,000 games but remains one of the best to ever play.