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doctor-rumack OP t1_j6szbog wrote

Reply to comment by bolanrox in TIL the Wayne Gretzky trade from Edmonton to the LA Kings yielded a "Trade Tree" that lasted 34 years (i.e. the players and draft picks Gretzky was traded for in 1988 spawned their own trades and draft picks over the years, with the final player leaving the NHL before this current season.) by doctor-rumack

It’s a long time, but I can’t verify if it’s the longest in North American pro sports. It’s also interesting because it’s Gretzky, so yes. He’s considered to be the greatest player in the history of his sport, and he was traded in his prime. It’s an example of the impact he had on the NHL that trading a single player has a cause/effect lasting that long.

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casualsax t1_j6t53k9 wrote

Not nearly as long yet but pretty funny: MLS has international roster spots to limit the number of foreign players on teams to foster local talent. These spots can be traded, typically for the length of a season.

In 2005 Real Salt Lake traded a spot permanently to the Colorado Rapids for Adolfo Gregorio, who made a whopping six appearances for them. He was released the following season, never to play professionally again.

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ForgotMyOldLoginInfo t1_j6tyqj8 wrote

> He’s considered to be the greatest player in the history of his sport

He's considered by many to be the greatest player in the history of any sport.

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Rickshmitt t1_j6ugdh3 wrote

I can't even spell sparts, and i know Wayne Gretzky

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Apellosine t1_j6vyhmp wrote

I will always make the argument for Sir Donald Bradman as an Australian cricketer who was so far ahead of any player at the time and since for this spot.

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chris622 t1_j6uumlm wrote

>It’s a long time, but I can’t verify if it’s the longest in North American pro sports

How long did the Eric Lindros trade pay dividends for Quebec/Colorado?

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