Franchise-level players that *didn't* surprise you when they left as UFA?

[Oilslick941611]

Why would they trade him if he was not going to leave?

It’s well documented that Peter pocklington was broke and needed money so he sold Gretzky to highest bidder

 

[AM]

It’s well documented that Peter pocklington was broke and needed money so he sold Gretzky to highest bidder

What makes you think he couldn’t have made more money resigning Gretzky?

Or do you think they hadn’t tried?

 

[Oilslick941611]

What makes you think he couldn’t have made more money resigning Gretzky?

Or do you think they hadn’t tried?

its not an opinion. Its well documented,.


From Pocklington's own mouth

"Here is the truth:I did not trade Wayne Gretzky so I could generate cash to “prop up” my other businesses, as another Edmonton sportswriter, John MacKinnon, also recently suggested. At the time, most of my other businesses were quite profitable, and it was the security they provided that allowed me to prop up the Oilers. However, I expect all my businesses to pay their own way and that included my hockey team. If the Oilers weren’t generating enough revenue, then either costs had to be cut or other sources of revenue found. I also knew that in another year, Wayne was going to become one very expensive hockey player and that I would not be able to keep him. Better to get something for him while I still could. Wayne knows this. He knew it then."

Peter Pocklington: I didn't sell Gretzky because I needed the money

By Peter Pocklington

nationalpost.com

So excuse when i said he was broke, the oilers were broke.

I also don't care what was or wasn't tried, I was 2 at the time and didn't know what was going on.

 

[Sheppy]

Why bring up Johnny Hockey in this?

There was absolutely nothing wrong with what he said. He was a franchise player who left during free agency. Not one negative thing was said.