When Wayne Gretzky's father said his son moved to LA as "an $18 million favor" to his wife

In 1988, Wayne Gretzky, the legendary hockey player and national treasure of Canada, was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings in a move that shocked and outraged Canadians. The blame for the trade was quickly placed on Gretzky's new wife, actress Janet Jones, who was branded a "blond Jezebel" and compared to Yoko Ono, the woman blamed for the breakup of the Beatles.

Amidst this media frenzy, Wayne Gretzky's father, Walter Gretzky, made a statement that has been much discussed and debated in the years since. He said that the trade was "an $18 million favor" to Janet Jones, who wanted to pursue her acting career in Hollywood.

This statement has been interpreted in different ways. Some see it as evidence that Jones was the driving force behind the trade, and that Gretzky made the move to please her. Others see it as a defense of Jones, suggesting that she was unfairly scapegoated for a decision that was ultimately Gretzky's.

Regardless of the truth behind Walter Gretzky's statement, it is clear that Jones bore the brunt of the blame and criticism for the trade, with many Canadians feeling betrayed by their national hero. The couple's decision to move to Los Angeles also strained their relationship with the Canadian public, with Gretzky's popularity never fully recovering.

Today, Gretzky is widely considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time, and his legacy in Canada remains secure. However, the controversy surrounding his move to Los Angeles and the role of his wife in that decision continue to be topics of debate and discussion.

Wayne Gretzky's relationship with his father Walter Gretzky

Walter Gretzky was a major influence on his son's life and hockey career. Known as Canada's most famous hockey dad, Walter was often seen at Wayne's side at games and practices, offering encouragement and advice.

Walter grew up playing hockey in Ontario, Canada, and passed his love of the game onto his son. He spent countless hours practicing with Wayne Gretzky on a backyard rink, helping him develop his skills and passion for the sport.

Despite never playing professionally, Walter became a beloved figure in the hockey world, known for his kindness, generosity and love of the game. He was often asked to speak at events and was a regular at charity fundraisers.

In addition to his role as a hockey dad, Walter also had a successful career in telecommunications. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the 1990s but continued to be an active ambassador for the game of hockey and an inspiration to many.

Walter passed away on March 4, 2021, at the age of 82. His death was mourned by hockey fans across Canada and beyond, with many paying tribute to his kindness, humility and dedication to the game he loved.