Wayne Gretzky's arrival in Los Angeles in 1988 marked a pivotal moment for both the player and the sport of hockey in Southern California. Often when people reflect on Gretzky’s career, his time with the Edmonton Oilers tends to be the highlight, but his move to the LA Kings undeniably changed everything for Gretzky, the Kings, and hockey itself.

The Trade

On August 9, 1988, the Edmonton Oilers traded Wayne Gretzky, along with Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski, to the Los Angeles Kings. In return, the Oilers received Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, the Kings' first-round draft picks in 1989, 1991, and 1993, and $15 million in cash. At the time, this was an eye-popping trade in terms of the cash and players exchanged. Peter Pocklington, the owner of the Oilers, was facing financial difficulties and sought to improve his finances by drumming up interest in Gretzky from other franchises. Gretzky initially wanted to remain with the Oilers, but after learning the full extent of Pocklington's efforts to trade him, he decided to move on. Following a conversation with Los Angeles Kings owner Bruce McNall, Gretzky became enthusiastic about the prospect of playing in California.

The trade, known simply as "The Trade," sent shockwaves throughout Canada. It was such a significant event that a member of parliament demanded the government block the trade, and the Oilers' owner was burned in effigy. When Gretzky first returned to Edmonton after the trade, he received a four-minute standing ovation during a nationally televised game.

Impact on the Kings and Los Angeles

Gretzky's impact in Los Angeles was immediate. In his first season with the Kings, he scored 54 goals and tallied 114 assists, totaling 168 points, which was second in the league. This performance earned him the Hart Memorial Trophy. His arrival not only made hockey cool in a city known for sunshine and showbiz, but it also brought a new level of excitement and glory to the Kings. Before Gretzky, Los Angeles wasn't particularly known for ice hockey. He helped popularize the sport among adult fans and sparked unprecedented enthusiasm among children. Youth hockey programs began to emerge throughout California, and much of the sport's current popularity in the state is attributed to Gretzky's time with the Kings in the 1990s.

Although Gretzky tallied an impressive 918 points in 539 games with the Kings, his biggest regret was not bringing a Stanley Cup to the franchise. Despite this, he led the Kings to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 1993, a moment forever etched in the memories of Kings fans.

Legacy

Wayne Gretzky's time with the LA Kings may not be the first thing that comes to mind when reflecting on his career, but his impact on the team and the city of Los Angeles is undeniable. He turned the Kings into a force to be reckoned with, brought hockey to the forefront in Southern California, and inspired a new generation of fans and players.