Final answer:
The NHL trade referred to as "The Trade" notably involved hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, who was transferred from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings. This event had a profound impact on the popularity of hockey, especially in non-traditional markets in the US, and is a watershed moment in NHL history. The correct option is (A)
Step-by-step explanation:
The NHL trade that is famously known as "The Trade" involved several athletes, but most notably, it starred hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. This transaction took place on August 9, 1988, when Gretzky was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings. This monumental event in hockey history was not just a trade involving one of the sport's biggest stars but also signified a dramatic change in the business and geography of the NHL. Gretzky's move to Los Angeles helped popularize hockey in non-traditional markets in the United States and is often credited with the expansion of the NHL's influence and fan base.
The trade involved Gretzky, along with teammates Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski, moving to the Kings in exchange for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, $15 million in cash, and the Kings' first-round draft picks in 1989, 1991, and 1993. While others were part of this exchange, it is Gretzky's departure from Edmonton that left a lasting impact on the sport. Following the trade, Gretzky continued to establish numerous records and brought significant attention to the sport of hockey, making this one of the most discussed trades in NHL history.