News Summary
Blake Wheeler, the veteran NHL forward, has officially announced his retirement after a distinguished 16-season career. Having played for multiple teams, his last appearance on the ice was with the New York Rangers. Despite finishing with 21 points in 54 games during his final season, an injury cut his career short. Wheeler is remembered for his leadership and significant contributions to the Jets/Thrashers franchise and leaves behind a lasting legacy in the NHL.
Winnipeg, Canada – Blake Wheeler Retires from NHL After 16 Seasons
Blake Wheeler, the veteran NHL forward, announced his official retirement on Saturday, bringing an end to a distinguished 16-season career. The 38-year-old player last appeared on the ice during the 2023-24 season with the New York Rangers.
Recent Performance and Injury
During his final season, Wheeler contributed 21 points in 54 games, consisting of nine goals and twelve assists. His season was cut short due to a significant injury sustained on February 15, 2024, involving torn ligaments on both sides of his ankle and a broken fibula. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season, and he managed to play just one game in the ensuing Stanley Cup Playoffs, on May 28, 2024, against the Florida Panthers.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Drafted in the first round (No. 5 overall) of the 2004 NHL Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes, Wheeler’s career includes appearances in 1,172 regular-season games. Over these games, he accumulated 321 goals and 622 assists, totaling 943 points. His playoff contributions include 10 goals and 35 assists over 66 playoff games, equating to 45 total points.
Transition to the New York Rangers and Contract Details
In a notable move ahead of the 2023-24 season, Wheeler signed a one-year contract with the New York Rangers on July 1, 2023. His signing followed the Winnipeg Jets’ decision to buy out the final year of his previous five-year, $41.25 million contract. Throughout his career, Wheeler has played for several NHL teams, including the Boston Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, and the Rangers.
Years with the Winnipeg Jets/Thrashers and Leadership Role
Wheeler spent 13 seasons with the Jets/Thrashers franchise, serving as team captain from 2016 to 2022. During this period, he established himself as a franchise leader, ranking first in team history for games played (897), assists (550), and points (812). He also ranks fourth in goals with 262 tallys. His influence extended beyond team records, as he stood out among American-born NHL players, ranking 26th in games played, 25th in goals, 11th in assists, and 14th in points all-time.
Peak Seasons and All-Star Recognitions
Wheeler experienced career peaks during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, recording 91 points in each year. These performances earned him selection to the NHL All-Star Game on both occasions, highlighting his status as one of the league’s prominent forwards during those years.
Retirement and Personal Reflections
Following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Wheeler remained unsigned but expressed a sense of peace regarding his decision to retire from professional hockey. He emphasized the importance of family and personal life, noting that he felt content with how his playing career had concluded, focusing on the next chapter beyond professional sports.
Summary
Blake Wheeler’s career spanned over a decade and a half, marked by notable leadership, consistent offensive production, and significant contributions to his teams. With 943 career points and numerous team records, his impact on the game and NHL history remains lasting. His retirement closes a remarkable chapter in NHL history, emphasizing a career characterized by resilience, skill, and leadership.
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Additional Resources
- NHL: Blake Wheeler Retires
- Wikipedia: Blake Wheeler
- Forever Blueshirts: Wheeler Retires
- Google Search: Blake Wheeler Retirement
- The Hockey News: Wheeler Announces Retirement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Blake Wheeler
- MSN: Veteran NHLer Retires
- Google News: Blake Wheeler NHL Retirement
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