Used in the Exhibit: Play by Play - A Century of L.A. Sports Photography, 1899-1989. The trade of Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers to the Kings remains one of the most momentous deals in sports history. On the ice, Gretzky produced: after breaking Gordie Howe's all-time goal record, he led the Kings to their first (and only) Stanley Cup Finals appearance (1993) as attendance soared. But his importance extended beyond L.A.: his presence transformed the NHL from a league dominated by Canadian teams to one willing to expand to Anaheim, San Jose, Arizona, and Florida. Then-owner Bruce McNall (right), the coin-dealer-turned-millionaire who purchased the team from Jerry Buss and brokered the trade, was later convicted of bank fraud. Photo dated: August 8, 1988.
Gretzky, Wayne,--1961- McNall, Bruce,--1950- Los Angeles Kings (Hockey team) Edmonton Oilers (Hockey team) National Hockey League Hockey Hockey players Hockey teams Los Angeles Herald-Examiner photographs Herald-Examiner Collection photographs
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