“Lighting It Up Together”: Wayne Gretzky’s Rival Was Close to Joining Him Following the Great One’s Controversial Trade in 1988

To date, Wayne Gretzky‘s trade in 1988 is considered one of the most controversial moments in NHL history. However, it did eventually serve its purpose. In a way, it rebranded the game and paved the for what it is today. But adding another legendary player to the mix would’ve made it even more iconic. Like, say, Gretzky’s rival, Mike Bossy?

New York Icelanders Mike Bossy once revealed that around the time of the heated incident he had received a surprising call. The caller was none other than Kings’ owner Bruce McNall. He made an interesting offer to Bossy. However, after due consideration, no matter how enticing the offer was, Bossy felt it was not worth it.

What was the offer that McNall made to Mike Bossy?

In an interview with the New York Post in 2019, Bossy recalled the time when he almost joined Gretzky’s new team in 1988. The call came at a time when he had sat out for an entire year due to an injury, and his contract with the Islanders had expired. He received the call, right after the Gretzky trade was completed.

As part of the proposal, McNall had offered him the opportunity to be a free agent for the Kings. Recalling his words Bossy said, “Bruce said he wanted me as a free agent. He said, ‘I’d love to have you come out and play with Wayne.’ ” However, no matter how iconic it seemed to have Gretzky and Bossy play for the same team, the Islander hero didn’t see it that way.

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At the first instance, Bossy did find the offer to be a bit interesting. However, his mind changed after thinking it through. “But once I considered it, I didn’t think I could do myself justice, and especially with the expectations would have been of Wayne and I lighting it up together. That’s what I told Bruce. That was the end of it,” said the Boss.

The controversial trade of Wayne Gretzky in 1988

Wayne Gretzky was once the most beloved player of the Edmonton Oilers. However, the entire fandom was shocked when it was announced in 1988 that Gretzky was being traded to the Kings. It goes without a doubt that the fans went hysterical after the announcement.

During that time, Gretzky’s popularity was at its peak. The same couldn’t be said about the NHL in America. Kings’s owner saw Gretzky as the solution to boost the popularity of the sport and gain more fans. Although Oilers’ fans tried their best to retain the player, the deal still went through. And so did Wayne Gretzky, with two more players, to Los Angeles.

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The deal had caused an uproar in the ice hockey world. While it was the darkest day for the Oilers’ fans, it brought a ray of hope to the Kings and NHL. One can only imagine how iconic it would’ve been had Bossy accepted the deal. Do you think the Islander made the right call?