News Summary
Blake Wheeler, the renowned NHL forward, has announced his retirement following a remarkable 16-season career. The 38-year-old last played for the New York Rangers, where injuries plagued his final season. Throughout his career, Wheeler registered impressive stats, including 321 goals and 622 assists. His legacy in the sport is marked by significant contributions, particularly during his time as captain of the Winnipeg Jets. As he transitions to retirement, Wheeler looks forward to focusing on family and personal life.
New York City – Blake Wheeler, the accomplished NHL forward known for his playmaking abilities and leadership, has announced his retirement from professional hockey after a distinguished 16-season career. The 38-year-old athlete last donned the jersey of the New York Rangers during the 2023-24 season, where he tallied 21 points, including nine goals and twelve assists, across 54 games.
Wheeler’s final season was marred by injury, as a lower-body issue sustained on February 15, 2024, sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season. He made a brief return during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, participating in just one game on May 28, 2024, against the Florida Panthers. His injury was severe, involving torn ligaments on both sides of his ankle and a broken fibula, which ultimately led to his decision to retire.
Throughout his career, Blake Wheeler achieved remarkable milestones, registering 321 goals and 622 assists for a total of 943 points in 1,172 NHL regular-season games. Additionally, he contributed to his teams in the playoffs, scoring 10 goals and providing 35 assists for 45 points over 66 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Notably, Wheeler’s strong performance during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, where he recorded back-to-back campaigns of 91 points, earned him selections to the NHL All-Star Game for both years.
Career Highlights
Wheeler was selected in the first round of the 2004 NHL Draft, going fifth overall to the Phoenix Coyotes. His career included stints with several teams: the Boston Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, and culminated with his time at the New York Rangers. He spent the majority of his career, 13 seasons, with the Jets/Thrashers, where he served as captain from 2016 to 2022. Wheeler holds several records within the franchise, leading in games played (897), assists (550), and points (812), while ranking fourth in goals (262).
Legacy Among American Players
In terms of all-time rankings among American-born players in the NHL, Wheeler ranks 26th in games played, 25th in goals, 11th in assists, and 14th in points. These achievements underscore his significant impact on the league and highlight his consistent offensive production throughout his lengthy career.
Transition into Retirement
Wheeler’s journey in the NHL concluded following the 2023-24 season when he remained unsigned, signaling an end to his professional hockey career. Upon announcing his retirement, he expressed a sense of peace with his decision, indicating he is now focused on family and enjoying personal life. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the ice, will be remembered by fans and teammates alike, solidifying his legacy as one of the prominent figures in modern hockey.
The heartrending announcement of Wheeler’s retirement marks the closing chapter of a prolific career filled with numerous accolades and unforgettable moments. As he steps away from the game, fans and colleagues reflect on his impressive statistics and leadership that have left a lasting impact on the teams he represented and the sport itself.
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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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