Latest Gretzky Trade Rumors Involve Rangers

Wayne Gretzky isn’t leaving the Los Angeles Kings - at least not yet.

Gretzky, the NHL’s career scoring leader, Kings coach Larry Robinson and Rangers general manager Neil Smith on Tuesday night denied a report that Gretzky was being traded to New York.

“That’s basically what it is, rumor 999 or whatever,” Robinson said after the Kings lost 9-4 to the Detroit Red Wings. “I know nothing of it. I spoke to Sam (McMaster, Kings general manager) before the game. He didn’t say anything.”

Smith also was emphatic in shooting down the rumor.

“No, no chance,” Smith told the Canadian Press. “Categorically no. I have it coming in from everybody.”

A Rangers spokesman later forwarded a statement from Smith in which the general manager left open the possibility of a trade.

Gretzky sounded as if he expects something to happen soon. He has made it clear he wants the Kings to improve or deal him to a contender.

“Well, it’s hard for everyone,” he said. “It’s taken its toll on everyone. It’s gotten to the point where it’s probably better for everyone if something happens.”

The rumors began circulating Tuesday night that the Rangers had sent Luc Robitaille and Ray Ferraro to the Kings for Gretzky. A Sportsticker news service report out of Jersey City, N.J., said a deal was in the works, and Sportsticker was basing the report on a Las Vegas report.

SportsFan Radio Network in Las Vegas reported that two of their sources, who asked to remain unidentified, said the trade is going to be made by the end of the week.