23 years ago today...

[bonnev659]

the Great One was traded from Edmonton to LA.

Do you guys think this was the biggest trade in NHL history?

 

[27Leafs27]

Definately the biggest trade in my mind, although the Richards deal is right up there Chris.
The original Phil Esposito trade from the Hawks to the Bruins may have been the biggest up to that point.

Dan.

 

[wingnut888]

I still think the Gretzky trade was the biggest! Still remember where I was when it happened.

 

[plubers]

Easily the biggest trade ever.

 

[Burner]

Only after the Patrick Roy trade

at least for us Quebecers...

 

[jmatchett]

Trading the (somewhat arguably) best player ever during the prime of his career after just winnign your 4th Cup in 5 years? It's not even close.
Maybe if the Flyers had traded Richards, Carter, Giroux, JvR, Carter, and Pronger for a bag of marshmallows it would be bigger.

 

[mightykeebs]

the Great One was traded from Edmonton to LA.

Do you guys think this was the biggest trade in NHL history?

Don't you mean sale? $17 Million isn't a trade in my books :foottap:

 

[JTMcCool]

It was...until the Richards trade.

Ha ha, are you sure it wasn't the Versteeg trade?

But to be serious, I think the Gretzky trade is the biggest hockey trade ever hands down. One of the best ever, in his prime, and coming off a championship? Just crazy.

 

[Ironman Indy]

Definately the biggest trade in my mind, although the Richards deal is right up there Chris.
The original Phil Esposito trade from the Hawks to the Bruins may have been the biggest up to that point.

Dan.

I think in terms of lopsided and future cup success this trade may win

Esposito, Hodge and Stanfield for Martin, Norris and Marotte

Bruins go on to win 2 cups

I actually remember Espo's second trade better

Espo and Vadnais to NY for Ratelle, Park and Zanussi

Neither team won cups of course

Always thought it was interesting that Gretzky never won a cup after the trade but the Oilers did.

My personal most hated trade - Francis, Ulf Samuelsson and Grant Jennings, in exchange for Jeff Parker, Zarley Zalapski, and John Cullen

Pens win 2 cups in large part to that trade, Hartford was never the same

But in the grand scheme of things, Gretzky trade is the "biggest"

 

[bonnev659]

Always thought it was interesting that Gretzky never won a cup after the trade but the Oilers did.

My personal most hated trade - Francis, Ulf Samuelsson and Grant Jennings, in exchange for Jeff Parker, Zarley Zalapski, and John Cullen

Pens win 2 cups in large part to that trade, Hartford was never the same

But in the grand scheme of things, Gretzky trade is the "biggest"

that is one trade that hurted the whalers which lead to the downfall :|

and at least Edm did win a cup afterward that trade

 

[Metrags]

The gretz trade is one of the biggest in any sport., not just the nhl. He was the best player in the game at the time, he was in his prime, and just came off a cup championship (if I am not mistaken)

Though I dont think any trade will ever compare to Ruth going to the yankees.

 

[c_bass22]

The gretz trade is one of the biggest in any sport., not just the nhl. He was the best player in the game at the time, he was in his prime, and just came off a cup championship (if I am not mistaken)

Though I dont think any trade will ever compare to Ruth going to the yankees.

The 2 trades are comparable in my mind!!!
Really good point there.

 

[Stadium Sports]

Courtnall kordic maybe

 

[TanguayFan]

Even if you can't agree that it was the biggest, I don't think anybody can deny that it was the most important. It paved the way for the NHL as we know today, with massive expansion into the southern markets: San Jose, Phoenix, Atlanta, Carolina, Anaheim, Florida, Tampa Bay, Dallas. All teams that exist (or in the case of Atlanta, existed) in large part because of the interest that Greztky created by being traded to a team in the southern US.

 

[sprague11]

I think the Lindros to Philly trade was far bigger than the Richards trade. Nothing however tops Gretzky going to LA.

 

[gratzi]

I still remember sitting on my grandparents living room floor watching the press conference, not really understanding why Gretzky was crying or why it was such a big deal.

 

[timber09]

I still have the newpapers from that day in a folder somewhere - I would argue that it was the biggest trade in the history of sports. Cowboys fans would probably argue that the Vikings gave them a dynasty with the Herschel Walker trade and Yankee fans will argue about the Ruth sale but the Gretz move was monumental.

 

[JHEYKID]

By far the biggest trade in NHL history, just watched the ESPN 30 for 30 on it last week. However it is a bit of a stretch to say it is the biggest trade in pro sports history. The Ruth one has that title hands down.

 

[bto3105]

I think in terms of lopsided and future cup success this trade may win

Esposito, Hodge and Stanfield for Martin, Norris and Marotte

.....And the love affair starts for a young Car 01 watching his beloved bruins hoist Lord stanley.



The Gretzky trade was the biggest trade indeed. It grew the game no question but it ripped the hearts right out of Canadians and would proove to be the starting point of a very dark era for us.

We all remember a certian doll being hung on a bridge so that pretty much sumed up the feelings of the time

 

[cbjhockey61]

Best trade - Gretzky to LA
Worst trade - Brind'Amour to Carolina from Philly *

Future best trade - Jeff Carter to Columbus from Philly
Future worst trade - Nash to anywhere

*Philly is my second favorite team behind Columbus