Blake Wheeler Announces Retirement from Professional Hockey
In a low-key announcement this week, Blake Wheeler, a prominent figure in the NHL, has declared his retirement from professional hockey. The veteran forward, who had been inactive since the 2023-24 season, leaves behind an impressive legacy, having played 1,172 regular-season contests and participated in 66 playoff games throughout his career. With his skills and contributions, Wheeler leaves the sport with a sense of accomplishment.
Career Highlights and Unique Path
What distinguished Wheeler from many of his contemporaries was his choice to not sign with the Phoenix Coyotes, the franchise that selected him fifth overall in the 2004 NHL Draft. After completing his college career at the University of Minnesota, Wheeler opted to enter free agency rather than signing an entry-level contract with the Coyotes. This pivotal decision led him to the Boston Bruins, where he kicked off his NHL journey in 2008 with notable success, accumulating 21 goals and 45 points in his rookie season.
Wheeler’s path was somewhat unique, similar to players such as Cutter Gauthier, Isaac Howard, Adam Fox, and Rutger McGroarty, who also navigated their way away from their original drafting teams. However, unlike many of them, Wheeler achieved immediate success and established himself as a significant scoring threat once traded to the Thrashers, an organization that relocated to become the Winnipeg Jets. During his fourth season with the Jets, Wheeler had a breakout performance, netting 28 goals and accumulating 69 points.
The following six seasons saw him consistently score over 20 goals and achieve at least 61 points per season, peaking at 91 points in consecutive years from 2017 to 2019.
Final Season and Legacy
In the twilight of his NHL career, Wheeler found himself in a secondary offensive role with the New York Rangers, where he recorded nine goals and 21 points over 54 games in his last season. Despite ongoing health struggles that limited his games in recent seasons, he showcased his abilities during the Jets’ playoff run in 2023, contributing two goals and six points in just five games.
Although Wheeler’s career was not capped with a Stanley Cup victory, he leaves behind a remarkable record of 321 goals and 943 points in the regular season, along with an additional 10 goals and 45 points in playoff competition. His impact, particularly among Jets fans who witnessed his lengthy career in Winnipeg, will be remembered fondly. While he may not be headed to the Hall of Fame, Wheeler has undeniably made significant contributions to the sport, securing a distinguished place in the history of the NHL and earning respect for his impressive 16 seasons of play.
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