Wayne Gretzky Was Almost Traded To The Detroit Red Wings
The biggest trade in NHL history happened 32 years ago. Wayne Gretzky was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings. What has been lost to history is that Gretzky was almost traded to the Detroit Red Wings.
The Los Angeles Kings received Wayne Gretzky, Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, and three first overall picks in the 1989, 1991 and 1993 NHL Draft, as well as $15 million.
The Red Wings are said to have had Adam Oates, Petr Klima and Joe Murphy on the table, in addition to the picks and cash. In retrospect, this deal would have been more beneficial for both the Oilers and Red Wings. Adam Oates ended up having a hall of fame career, unlike the pieces received from L.A. Additionally, the Red Wings' first round picks in the aforementioned drafts were not particularly outstanding (Martin Lapointe headlining). The Red Wings would receive a well seasoned enforcer along with the greatest hockey player of all time. History has shown that the Oilers were shafted in this trade, but receiving Oates from the Red Wings would have been a much sweeter deal.
Could you imagine the Detroit Red Wings dynasty of the 1990's and early 2000's with The Great One?
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