Slap Shots From Both Sides of Great Debate Over the Great One

I’ve just read the articles regarding Wayne Gretzky’s future in L.A. and as a die-hard fan of the game, I am torn. Ever since the Oilers-Kings trade, Wayne has become hockey in Southern California. I see it everywhere I go. For Mr. [Philip] Anschutz and Mr. [Edward] Roski to trade Gretzky away now would be a tremendous PR blunder. But the flip side is equally as hard to deal with, for the Kings haven’t done a thing as a team (with the exception of the miracle run in 1993). Wayne says he wants players now, and they’ve done that in the past. Kurri, Huddy. Tocchet. Khristich. Fuhr. Carson. In return they gave up some prominent players. Nicholls. Robitaille. Sandstrom. Coffey. Gelinas. Zhitnik. They were hoping to improve but didn’t. They even gave up people for nobody. Millen. Donnelly. But the Kings were wrong in getting too many veterans whose best years were in the rear view mirror.

Maybe the solution is now, like Gretzky says, but the players shouldn’t be ex-Oilers. Hull and Coffey aren’t going anywhere, but what about Kirk Muller in New York? His asking price has gone way down. And how about Phil Housley of the Flames on the blueline? He helped shape a young Pierre Turgeon in Buffalo, and put Teemu Selanne’s name in the record books in Winnipeg. For twice in their history, the Kings have to trade smart. Then we’ll fill your Forum. Gladly.

RAMZI BETTENDORF

La Habra