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What if the Oilers traded Wayne Gretzky to the Red Wings and not LA Kings?

The 1988 trade was a pivotal turning point for the LA Kings and one that almost didn't happen.

Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings | Andrew D. Bernstein/GettyImages

One of the biggest moments in Los Angeles Kings history was when they completed a trade for Wayne Gretzky in 1988. At the time, Gretzky was clearly the best player in the NHL and was a major win for the Kings to be able to bring him to Los Angeles.

However, it was a trade that almost didn't happen and it was Wayne Gretzky's dad that Kings' fans can thank for getting it across the finish line.