The sport of ice hockey recognizes Wayne Gretzky as one of the most prominent NHL prodigies. The ice hockey demigod graced 4 of the best NHL teams during his prime with his magnificence and commendable puck-handling prowess. Moreover, in the span of 2 decades he played in the field, he has earned some prestigious accolades for every team he had been a part of. However, when Gretzky traded his Edmonton Oilers jersey with the one that has Los Angeles Kings inscribed upon it, he was oblivious to the ‘Trade’ initially. 

In 1988, Gretzky already earned a treasure trove of plaudits and worldwide fame through his outstanding athletic prowess. Howbeit, forthwith securing 4 Stanley cups in the span of 9 years with the Edmonton Oilers, the Great one didn’t know about his switch from Canada to Los Angeles. Interestingly, the Canadian’s father, Walter Gretzky had a thorough knowledge of the trade. And, the White Tornado had a hard time believing his dad before he actually got an update regarding the whole trading scenario.

Wayne Gretzky failed to believe his father regarding the 1988’s impending trade

In 2022, the Great One has appeared in an interview with Spittin Chiclets, where he profoundly answered every intrigue of the hosts. At one point, one of the three hosts inquisitively asked Gretzky about his “role in the trade”. On this, the Canadian reminisced about his final playoff as an Oiler and the after-match shenanigans, where for the first time he came to know about the trade from his father. 

As per the video, after Gretzky won the playoffs, he got together with his family for celebrating his victory. The 61-year-old recalled that during the party, “my dad says, you know they are trying to trade you”. However, forthwith Walter’s revelation, Wayne said to his dad, “just don’t believe anything you hear”.

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Interestingly, the next day after Gretzky’s celebratory extravaganza, he received a phone call from Nelson Skalbania, who then owned the Vancouver Canucks. And, Skalbania gave him the news about his trade, while simultaneously offering Gretzky the 25% partnership of Canucks. However, Wayne didn’t take that offer. But, he finally believed his father’s initial assertion. Moreover, other than Canucks, Gretzky also received the offer from Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings.

Why Gretzky chose Los Angeles Kings?

When Gretzky finally digested the news of his trade, he decided to go with Detroit Red Wings. The sole reason for Wayne to choose Detroit was because he was a big fan of the team and was a follower of Gordie Howe, who also played from Detroit. However, the Canadian’s dad advised him to not go with the Red Wings. The White Tornado’s father said, “there is only one Gordie Howe, if you want to do something different, go to LA”.

And, that’s how, the Great Gretzky “ended up in LA”. Clearly, Gretzky’s father really had a great impact on Gretzky’s vocation of ice hockey. Wayne Gretzky and Walter Gretzky not only shared a great father-son relationship but also an amazing mentor-mentee relationship, don’t you think?

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