The empty rink marks the end of an era for Blake Wheeler.
Blake Wheeler has announced his retirement from the NHL following a commendable 16-season career. The 38-year-old forward played his final season with the New York Rangers, contributing significantly despite dealing with injuries. Known for his leadership and offensive skills, Wheeler leaves behind a legacy marked by numerous achievements and contributions to multiple franchises, particularly the Winnipeg Jets, where he served as captain. His decision to retire emphasizes his focus on personal well-being and family.
Winnipeg, Manitoba – In a significant development in the professional hockey world, Blake Wheeler has officially announced his retirement from the National Hockey League (NHL) after a remarkable 16-season career.
The 38-year-old forward revealed his decision publicly on Saturday, ending a career marked by consistency and leadership. Wheeler’s last team was the New York Rangers, for whom he played during the 2023-24 season. During this final campaign, he contributed 21 points in 54 games, with nine goals and twelve assists.
However, his season was cut short due to a serious injury sustained on February 15, 2024. Wheeler suffered torn ligaments on both sides of his ankle along with a broken fibula, injuries that sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season. Despite the injuries, he managed to make a brief appearance in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, playing only one game on May 28, 2024, against the Florida Panthers.
Wheeler’s career began when he was selected sixth overall in the first round of the 2004 NHL Draft by the Arizona Coyotes—who were then known as the Phoenix Coyotes. Over the span of his career, Wheeler played a total of 1,172 regular-season games, scoring 321 goals and tallying 622 assists for a total of 943 points.
In addition to his regular-season achievements, Wheeler played in 66 Stanley Cup Playoff games, where he recorded 10 goals and 35 assists, totaling 45 points.
Throughout his NHL journey, Wheeler represented several franchises, including the Boston Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, and most recently, the New York Rangers. He spent 13 seasons with the Jets and Thrashers franchise, serving as captain from 2016 to 2022. During his tenure, he established himself as an integral part of the team’s history, leading in games played (897), assists (550), and points (812). He ranks fourth in Jets/Thrashers history in goals with 262.
Wheeler is recognized among the top American-born NHL players in several categories. He is 26th in all-time NHL games played, 25th in goals among American-born players, 11th in assists, and 14th in points.
He notably achieved back-to-back seasons with 91 points in 2017-18 and 2018-19, performances that earned him selection to the NHL All-Star Game both years. These seasons underscored his offensive capabilities and leadership qualities on the ice.
Despite recent injuries and the conclusion of his season, Wheeler’s career stats include 943 points, reflecting a high level of consistent production. After his contract with the Jets was bought out, Wheeler signed a one-year contract with the New York Rangers on July 1, 2023.
Following his final season, Wheeler remained unsigned but expressed a sense of peace regarding his decision to retire. He emphasized the importance of family and personal well-being, highlighting his contentment with concluding his athletic career on his own terms.
Wheeler’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished chapter in NHL history, leaving behind a legacy defined by leadership, offensive talent, and dedication to the game.
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