Minnesota Wild’s General Manager Bill Guerin drew attention this week after mentioning Wayne Gretzky while discussing the team’s trade approach for the offseason period.

During his season-ending media availability session, Guerin reminded the reporters that no squad player is safe from trade talks before referencing the most famous trade in hockey history.

He hinted that Minnesota could stay open-minded while going through its roster after another early playoff exit. Guerin offered a stern response when reporters asked about the Wild’s offseason plans.

“Nobody in this game is untouchable,” he said during the presser.

He then mentioned Gretzky, who played for four different teams in the NHL.

“Wayne Gretzky got traded. Anybody can get traded.” 

Gretzky was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings on August 9, 1988, which was a big move back then. With this remark, Guerin implied that the Wild might take a hard look at its squad after another underwhelming season.

The team finished third overall in the Central Division and showed encouraging signs in the first round of the playoffs.

For the first time since 2015, they won a round after beating the Dallas Stars in six games. The momentum was short-lived as their postseason came to a grinding halt against the Colorado Avalanche, who walked away with a 4-1 series win.

Guerin, however, noted that the team was in a Stanley Cup window and implied that he would make any move necessary to clinch the title.

"We’re in a window where we have a very good team," he stated, as per Heavy. "So, we want to make sure that we don’t just open the window three-quarters of the way. If there’s a chance to get better, we will.”

The 55-year-old's words naturally lead back to Gretzky's trade, a move that changed everything in the sport.

Why Wayne Gretzky’s Trade Still Matters in NHL History

Before leaving Edmonton for Los Angeles, Gretzky was already considered one of the biggest stars in the NHL. He had led the Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships and was almost viewed as untouchable. 

The trade sent Gretzky, Marty McSorley, and Mike Krushelnyski to Los Angeles. In return, Edmonton got Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, many draft picks, and some cash. It has been a longstanding debate among hockey fans about whether any deal could match Gretzky's value.

The reaction across Canada was huge. A lot of Edmonton fans were upset, while others saw the move as a change for the NHL. 

Gretzky's move to Los Angeles helped promote hockey in the United States, especially in California and other places.

Nonetheless, his trade is still a reminder that even the biggest stars can be shipped off if the team demands it.

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Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Sijo Paul