Why the Edmonton Oilers Traded Wayne Gretzky to Los Angeles
In August 1988, the Edmonton Oilers traded Wayne Gretzky, the greatest hockey player of all time, to the Los Angeles Kings. This blockbuster deal shocked the hockey world and remains one of the most controversial trades in NHL history.
There were several factors that contributed to the Oilers' decision to trade Gretzky. One was financial. Gretzky was demanding a salary of $2 million per year, a huge sum of money at the time. The Oilers were also facing financial difficulties and were looking to shed payroll.
Another reason for the trade was Gretzky's desire to play in a bigger market. Edmonton is a relatively small city, and Gretzky felt that he could have a greater impact on the game in a city like Los Angeles.
The trade was also a way for the Oilers to rebuild their team. Gretzky was 27 years old and had played 10 seasons in the NHL. The Oilers felt that they could get younger and more cost-effective players in return for Gretzky.
The trade of Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings was a major event in NHL history. It had a profound impact on both teams and changed the landscape of the league.
Related Questions and Answers
- What was the Oilers' primary motivation for trading Gretzky? Financial considerations.
- Why did Gretzky want to play in Los Angeles? To play in a bigger market with a larger impact.
- How old was Gretzky when he was traded? 27 years old.
- How many seasons had Gretzky played in the NHL before being traded? 10 seasons.
- What was the overall impact of the Gretzky trade on the NHL? It changed the landscape of the league.
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