“You Don’t Tamper With God”: Wayne Gretzky’s Controversial Trade Left Renowned Politicians and Fellow Players in a State of Shock in 1988

Wayne Gretzky is one of the greatest ice hockey players ever. He is one of the few players in the world whose jersey was retired by the league which he played for. In Wayne’s 20-year-long career, he played for Edmonton Oilers for nine years. However, Gretzky’s trade from Edmonton to Los Angeles in the summer of 1988 shocked the entire National Hockey Team.

Wayne Gretzky, nicknamed ‘The Great One’, played in NHL for 20 seasons from 1979 to 1999. Throughout his career, Wayne played for four teams; Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers.

Wayne Gretzky’s transfer sent shockwaves through people

Wayne Gretzky’s transfer was the most ‘unthinkable’ trade to take place in 1988. His trade is believed to bring a great change in the progress of hockey in the United States.

On 9 August 1988, Gretzky was traded in a five-player, three-draft pick from Edmonton to the Kings. Along with Gretzky, Edmonton traded forward Mike Krushelnyski and defenseman-winger Marty McSorley for center Jimmy Carson, left wing Martin Gelinas and first-round draft choices in 1989, 1991, and 1993. It was the biggest deal ever in the history of the National Hockey League.

Gretzky’s trade until it had not occurred was like rumors to just common people but also the high-personalities in Canada. After the transaction take place, there was a large-scale discussion, especially by politicians and fellow players. Take a look at some of the comments:

Nelson Riis, a member of the Canadian Parliament, expressed, “The Edmonton Oilers without Wayne Gretzky is like apple pie without ice cream, like winter without snow, like the Wheel of Fortune without Vanna White. “It’s quite simply unthinkable.”

Washington’s hockey player David Poile stated, “You don’t tamper with God,” and added,”If there was such a thing as an untouchable in this business, you’d think it was Gretzky. But we all find out differently. It’s still a shock. You think it’s more of the Hollywood rumor when you first hear it. Then it happens.”

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The reason behind Gretzky’s transaction was never clarified. However, there are two viewpoints on it. The first one indicates Gretzky wanted to trade himself, with which many disagree. Another viewpoint states that Peter Pocklington wanted to trade him for a striking business deal.

How long did Wayne Gretzky play with the Kings?

Gretzky was 27 when he went to the Kings. He played 62 games with the team and eventually scored 81 points. He is responsible for bringing a significant change in the team’s performance.

However, in 1996, he was again traded to St. Louis Blues. Gretzky never faced a dull moment in whatever team he played. He always proved to be the best.

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