Keenan Reveals St. Louis ‘Very Interested’ In Gretzky
The St. Louis Blues are “very interested” in acquiring Wayne Gretzky, general manager-coach Mike Keenan said Saturday night.
“If the Kings want to move him, we’re very interested in Wayne Gretzky,” Keenan said Saturday before the Blues met the Montreal Canadiens. “But it all depends on what happens when Wayne meets with the Kings next week.”
Keenan, whose mandate is to win right away, said room would be found in the Blues’ current tight budget if Gretzky became available.
“We’ve had cutbacks in our budget,” said Keenan. “But this is a unique situation.”
The Toronto Sun reported Saturday a deal for Gretzky was “virtually done” and that Los Angeles would receive five promising players and draft picks for its captain.
According to the Toronto Star, the players were Chris Pronger, Roman Vompat, Craig Johnson, Patrice Tardif and Denis Chase.
“Characterize it (Gretzky for five players) as more of a proposal than a mutually agreed deal,” an anonymous source told the Star.
Kings general manager Sam McMaster denied that Gretzky was on the trading block.
“I’ve had no conversation with any team about any trade for Wayne Gretzky this year,” said McMaster. “I understand Wayne is a national treasure in Canada, but we aren’t shopping the jewel of the Kings franchise.”
The Sun, meanwhile, said the Blues are also trying to acquire Los Angeles’ Marty McSorley and Tony Granato.
The Gretzky sweepstakes have been the talk of the hockey world ever since Gretzky hinted his days in Los Angeles were numbered.
On Tuesday, Gretzky said he’d likely leave Los Angeles unless the club made a commitment soon to bring in proven players to try to win the Stanley Cup.
Gretzky, who becomes a free agent without compensation this summer, said he’d prefer to go elsewhere if Los Angeles decides to rebuild with young players.
The Kings’ ownership is expected to meet Tuesday in Los Angeles to discuss Gretzky’s future, then huddle with Gretzky and his agent, Mike Barnett, later in the week in Boston, where Gretzky will take part in the NHL’s all-star game.