August 9 stands as one of the most significant dates in NHL history, marking a day that forever changed the landscape of professional hockey. On this day in 1988, Wayne Gretzky, the centerpiece of the Edmonton Oilers’ dynasty, was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in a move that sent shockwaves through the sport.
Gretzky’s departure from Edmonton, where he led the team to four Stanley Cups in five seasons, marked the end of an era. The trade, involving Gretzky, Marty McSorley, and Mike Krushelnyski to the Kings in exchange for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, $15 million, and three first-round draft picks, remains one of the biggest in NHL history.
The ramifications of this trade were profound, not just for the Oilers and Kings, but for the entire league. Gretzky’s move to Los Angeles is credited with igniting the growth of hockey in non-traditional markets, especially in Southern California. The Kings became a must-watch team, and Gretzky’s presence helped them reach their first Stanley Cup Final in 1993.
Additionally, August 9 is the birthday of another NHL legend, Brett Hull, born in Belleville, Ontario, in 1964. Hull, son of Hall of Famer Bobby Hull, would go on to have a stellar career, becoming one of the greatest goal-scorers in NHL history. His 741 career goals place him fourth on the all-time list, and he was a key player in winning the Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999 and the Detroit Red Wings in 2002.
The trade of Gretzky and the birth of Brett Hull are moments that underscore the significance of August 9 in NHL history.
