It was Feb. 27, 1996 - exactly 20 years ago - when the Blues acquired Wayne Gretzky from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Craig Johnson, Patrice Tardif, Roman Vopat, a first-round draft pick in 1997 and a fifth-round pick in 1996.
“The Kings asked me if I’d like to play in St. Louis, and I told them I’d love to play in St. Louis,” Gretzky said at a press conference following the trade. “They wanted me, they’re excited to get me. I’m thrilled to be there.”
Gretzky joined a group of Blues forwards that included Brett Hull, Dale Hawerchuk and Shayne Corson.