By JIM MATHESON
Journal Staff Writer

Canada lost its Greatest One Tuesday.

After 10 dazzling years here, Wayne Gretzky was dealt to Los Angeles Kings in the most stunning hockey deal in history.

Gretzky flew here on a private jet in 1978 when former Indianapolis owner Nelson Skalbania sold him to Edmonton.

Tuesday he came to town in Kings' owner Bruce McNall's plane. But this time it was to say goodbye. It didn't look like he really wanted to.

Gretzky, who married actress Janet Jones last month and has been living in LA this summer, said he asked owner Peter Pocklington to trade him to the Kings.

Not wanting to be caught with an unhappy player -- as with Paul Coffey last year -- the Oilers regretfully accepted Gretzky's wishes in the early morning hours Tuesday and worked out a multi-player deal: Gretzky, defenceman Marty McSorley and centre Mike Krushelnyski for Kings' centre Jim Carson, disgruntled LA defenceman Craig Redmond, who quit the club last season, their No. 1 draft this June, Martin Gelinas, first-round picks in 1989, 1991 and 1993 and a bundle of cool money.

Reportedly it's between $10 million and $20 million; Oiler owner Peter Pocklington refused to say how much. "It should be enough to buy a couple of companies," said Pocklington.

"I appreciate Mr. Pocklington giving me the possibility to play for another club after 10 years in Edmonton. At this point in time I'm still young enough (27) and still capable enough to help a new franchise win the Stanley Cup," said a teary-eyed Gretzky, who broke down several times at a press conference at Molson House.

"I realize everyone likes to be somewhere where it's rosy and nice. The Oilers are the best team in the NHL. But my contract only lasted four more years. I'll be 31 then. That might be too old to test the free-agent market. If I was ever going to make a move, it had to be now if I want another shot at winning a Stanley Cup."

Gretzky said he talked to McNall, who's made his fortune in racehorses, movie companies and rare coins, and liked what he heard. "After spending some time with him I decided that for the benefit of myself, my new wife and our expected child in the New Year (apparently the first week in January), it would be beneficial for everyone involved to let me play for the Los Angeles Kings. I'm disappointed leaving Edmonton. I really admire all the fans and respect everyone over the years, but…" Then Gretzky broke down and couldn't continue with the formal part of the press gathering.

Gretzky, the second-leading point-producer in history behind his idol Gordie Howe, wouldn't say how long he'd been thinking of moving.

Pocklington said he didn't agree to the trade for the instant money fix, although he had been shopping him around. He'd talked to the Kings before and also Vancouver Canucks.

"Our owner (Frank Griffiths) was prepared to pay significant dollars for Gretzky but from a hockey standpoint I was hesitant to pay the type of price in draft choices," said Canucks' GM Pat Quinn. Still, it was the Oilers who balked. "I understand it (talks) broke down at their end."

Pocklington originally scoffed at the Kings' request for Gretzky. "I don't mind telling you that when Bruce McNall approached me and asked what it would take to get Wayne to Los Angeles I asked for the entire Kings' franchise and an option on Jerry Buss's (NBA) Lakers," said Pocklington.

"If people are upset about the trade, I understand. But I ask that you view it the same way Wayne asked me to view his request to be traded."

McNall was obviously ecstatic about his acquisition, although it cost him four first-round draft choices. "I want to see hockey become a major-league sport in California," said McNall.

Gretzky, who came here as an 18-year-old in November, 1978 and won eight straight Hart trophies until Mario Lemieux broke his stranglehold last season, was an institution here. But, nothing is forever.

"The future has to arrive some day. It arrived today in Los Angeles," said Calgary GM Cliff Fletcher.