“That Wouldn’t Have Been Possible in Canada”: Wayne Gretzky Once Had One Major Advantage Moving to L.a. Kings Despite His Controversial Trade

There is not a single ice hockey fan who would not remember the controversial Wayne Gretzky trade in 1988. Even though that trade took place in the late 80s, it is still a topic of debate among NHL fans. Notably, even though he went on to play for the LA Kings, the NHL community still relates their talisman the most to the Oilers.

Not many people know, but when Gretzky moved to the LA Kings, he realized the one advantage he could not have gotten while playing for the Oilers.

Although it was a disheartening trade for Oilers’ fans and Gretzky, the legend enjoyed several perks while playing with L.A. Kings. Once the iconic NHL player revealed a thing, he was only enjoyed in LA, and not in Edmonton.

What made Wayne Gretzky fall in love with Los Angeles?

In 1988, Edmonton Oilers traded the NHL star Wayne Gretzky to their rivals L.A. Kings. The trade had sent the NHL world into shock. Later, Gretzky, too, revealed that he never wanted to be traded to L.A. and wanted to continue his journey with the Oilers.

However, the trade was finalized, and Gretzky had no other option but to pack his bags and shift to the “City of Angeles” with his family. However, once in The Great One: The Complete Wayne Gretzky Collection, Gretzky revealed LA had given him something that Edmonton could never.

While discussing his time in his new city, the legendary said, “I’m only in the sports sections here. People won’t know who our kids are. That wouldn’t have been possible in Canada.”

Read More: “He Didn’t Want That to Happen”: NHL GOAT Wayne Gretzky Once Revealed the Biggest Reason Behind His Infamous Trade to Los Angeles Kings

Privacy in a sportsperson’s life is luxurious. Gretzky got to experience that luxury in LA, helping him spend quality time in public with his wife and their then 14-month-old daughter, Paulina. And overall, Gretzky had a magnificent career with the Kings, breaking several NHL records.

Gretzky’s legendary career with the L.A. Kings

After the unimaginable trade, Gretzky fans were excited to see him play with the L.A. Kings. Before Gretzky, the Kings were not doing well in the league. But the GOAT’s entry changed the fate of the Los Angeles-based side, as Gretzky scored 54 goals and 114 assists in his first season with the Kings.

However, the best thing about the 1988-89 season was when Gretzky’s new team [Kings] beat his old team [Oilers] in seven games. This was just the beginning of Gretzky’s era with the Kings. Not only did he break several personal records, but his move to Hollywood changed ice hockey history in the United States. Gretzky’s increasing popularity and fame forced NHL to telecast the games on national television.

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“The Great One’s” accomplishments also encouraged NHL to add five expansion clubs in the States. Wayne Gretzky is a true icon of the sport, and his influence helped the sport become popular internationally.