Last-minute phone call changed Gretzky's future in the NHL back in 1988
You would never guess which team Gretzky originally decided to be traded to following the 1987-88 NHL season.
It was a trade that shocked the hockey world, as the greatest player to ever play the game was basically sold by Edmonton Oilers owner Peter Pocklington because some of his other business ventures were losing money.
On August 8th, 1988, just three months after the Oilers won their fourth Stanley Cup in five years, Wayne Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. Along with Gretzky went center Mike Krushelnyski and defenseman Marty McSorley. Coming to the Oilers in return were center Jimmy Carson, first-round draft choice Martin Gelinas, first-round picks in 1989, 1991 and 1993, and $15 million.
Gretzky also asked for a possible trade as he and his wife, Janet, were expecting their first child soon. His wife was an actress, and the move to Hollywood made the most sense in the end.
However, as Gretzky explained on an episode of Spittin' Chiclets, his father, Walter Gretzky, was the one who convinced him to choose the Kings. The Oilers had offers from the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers as well, and ultimately, Gretzky had the power to choose where he wanted to go.
Gretzky had apparently made up his mind on where he wanted to go until a last-minute phone call from his father changed his mind.
Listen to Wayne tell the whole story himself here:
Source: Spittin' Chiclets Podcast
