David Grislis discusses some of the biggest trades in the history of the NHL.

1. 9/7/2021 The Biggest Trades in NHL History | David Grislis & Hockey
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The Biggest Trades in NHL History
by David Grislis | Sep 6, 2021 | Coaching, David Grislis, Hockey, Sportsmanship
A big trade can completely change the outlook of a sports franchise. Acquiring a superstar
player sets up a team for years of success. While trades are a huge part of every major
sport, they seem to have more impact in the NHL. One hockey player can have a much
bigger impact on the outcome of a game than almost every other sport. These are the four
biggest trades in NHL history.
Wayne Gretzky to Kings
There may not be a more iconic trade in sports history than when the Edmonton Oilers
traded Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988. Gretzky had led the Oilers to four
Stanley Cups in the last five years, but the team knew they could not afford to resign the
greatest player of all time. While the trade helped popularize hockey in California, Gretzky
never won a championship in Los Angeles.
Eric Lindros to Flyers
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The Quebec Nordiques used the top pick in the 1991 NHL Draft to select Eric Lindros
despite his plans to never play for the team. Quebec used this one draft pick to completely
retool their struggling franchise. Sending Lindros to the Flyers netted Quebec Ron Hextal,
Peter Forsberg, Mike Ricci, Steve Duchesne, and four other players. This trade helped turn
the Nordiques into instant contenders. Lindros had a great career in Philadelphia, but he
could never live up to the massive expectations.
Patrick Roy to Avalanche
Three years after sending Lindros to Philadelphia, the Quebec Nordiques officially
relocated to Colorado. Shortly after this move, the team pulled off another historic trade.
They acquired Patrick Roy from Montreal in the middle of their first season as the
Avalanche. The best goalie in NHL history instantly proved his worth by leading the
Avalanche to a Stanley Cup later that year. Roy was also a critical piece in Colorado’s
championship season in 2001.
Cam Neely to Bruins
After struggling in his first three years in the league, the Vancouver Canucks decided to
ship Cam Neely to Boston for Barry Pederson in 1992. Neely instantly found his groove in a
Bruins uniform. Neely built a Hall of Fame career in Boston where he scored more than
340 goals. Neely is so beloved in Boston that he now serves as the team’s president.
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