Jets former captain Blake Wheeler struggling to process difficult situation
Photo credit: USA Today
Training camps across the NHL are beginning to open, and the 1000+ game veteran Blake Wheeler is still on the outside looking in.
According to a new update from Murat Ates with the Athletic, the 38 year old forward is processing his free agency with camp beginning in a few weeks.
»Told Blake Wheeler is "processing" right now. The 38 year old veteran is still not signed. I'm not sure if his future holds a contract, PTO, or retirement.»
- Murat Ates
- Murat Ates
Ates notes that Wheeler could still potentially earn a contract or tryout contract, but at 38 years old and coming off another injury last year in the playoffs, retirement is on the table as well. Last season, Wheeler signed a one year contract with the New York Rangers and played 54 games, scoring only 9 goals and 21 points.
Slowing down with age and being plagued with multiple injuries in the last few seasons, it's looking very likely that Wheeler may not be playing next season.
If this is the end of Wheeler's career, it's a long and successful one that he can be proud of. He played 1172 career games with the Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, and New York Rangers, and served as the captain of the Jets from 2016-2022. In his prime, Wheeler was one of the best power forwards in the game, able to play a punishing physical game and being a guarantee to score over 60 points a year.
Perhaps the Winnipeg Jets would have room to bring back their former leader on a PTO, but otherwise Wheeler's NHL career is on its last legs.
Source for Wheeler stats: PuckPedia - Blake Wheeler
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