What's the Real Reason Gretzky Was Traded on This day Some Time Ago

Gretzky was the most recognizable face in the NHL. His star power and talent seemed unmatched. He was breaking long standing scoring records with each game and season he played.

There are two camps surrounding Gretzky's trade to L.A. Even today, 21 years after the deal, people still are wanting to solve the mystery of who and why? Who wanted the trade to go down, and how did it happen? A superstar of his stature, you just don't let go.

For his own part, Gretzky maintains that he had nothing to do with the trade. He states he never wanted to leave Edmonton.

Now, the interesting part.

Rumor has it that Pocklington was cash strapped at the time from other bad financial decisions and needed to deal Gretzky�not for the three players or three first round draft picks that were included, but for the $15 million in cash attached to the transaction.

*Fun Fact*
He would sell the Oilers in 1998, file bankruptcy in 2008, and be arrested by the FBI for bankruptcy fraud in 2009. Interesting.