Sam McMaster  Sam McMaster (born April 15, 1936) is a former NHL General Manager of the Los Angeles Kings (NHL), whom he managed from 1994 to 1997. During his tenure, the Kings regressed to the bottom of the league's standings. He is known for being the man who traded Wayne Gretzky to the St. Louis Blues for three prospects, two of whom left the NHL within three years. His performance as the Kings 6th GM earned him the nickname "McMaster the Disaster". He was fired in 1997 and replaced by former Kings player Dave Taylor. His record as the Kings General Manager was 68-106-38. McMaster currently serves as a pro scout for the Columbus Blue Jackets and has been in that role since 1999.