Blake Wheeler Retires After Stellar NHL Career

New York City – Blake Wheeler, a veteran NHL forward, announced his retirement from professional hockey on Saturday after a distinguished 16-season career. The 38-year-old player, who last donned the jersey for the New York Rangers in the 2023-24 season, leaves the sport with a remarkable legacy of 943 points accumulated over 1,172 regular-season games.

Wheeler’s final season was marked by a lower-body injury sustained on February 15, 2024, which kept him out for the remainder of the regular season. He managed to return for one playoff game on May 28 against the Florida Panthers but had limited impact due to the extent of his injuries, which included torn ligaments in both sides of his ankle and a broken fibula. Throughout the season, Wheeler recorded 21 points, with nine goals and twelve assists in 54 games.

After being selected by the Phoenix Coyotes as the fifth overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft, Wheeler went on to have a successful career, playing for teams including the Boston Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, and the New York Rangers. He notably served as the captain of the Jets/Thrashers organization from 2016 to 2022, during which he made a lasting impact on the franchise.

During his time with the Jets/Thrashers, Wheeler logged 897 games, making him the franchise leader in several categories: he ranks first in assists (550), points (812), and is fourth in goals (262). His remarkable consistency and playmaking ability earned him a spot among the top performers in NHL history, where he currently sits 26th among American-born players in games played, 25th in goals, 11th in assists, and 14th in total points scored.

Wheeler enjoyed particularly standout seasons during 2017-18 and 2018-19, both of which saw him compile 91 points and earn selections to the NHL All-Star Game. These performances helped elevate Wheeler into the conversation as one of the premier forwards in the league during his career.

In July 2023, Wheeler signed a one-year contract with the Rangers after the Winnipeg Jets opted to buy out the final year of his previous five-year, $41.25 million deal. The transition to the Rangers allowed him to continue his career on a new team, although it was cut short due to the injuries he sustained.

Following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Wheeler remained unsigned and expressed feelings of contentment with his retirement decision. He stated that focusing on family and personal life after stepping away from the ice was a priority, and he feels at peace with the conclusion of his career.

Wheeler’s contributions to the sport and his legacy within the NHL will not be forgotten, as he leaves behind a career that is defined by impressive statistics and leadership on and off the ice. The hockey community recognizes his achievements and the impact he has made on the teams he played for over his productive years in the league.