News Summary
Blake Wheeler has announced his retirement from the NHL, concluding a remarkable 16-season career. The forward, who played for teams including the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers, finishes with 943 points in 1,172 regular-season games. Wheeler’s career highlights include numerous franchise records and a strong playoff performance. After facing injuries in his final season, he expressed contentment with his decision to retire, focusing on family and personal life in this new chapter.
New York City — Blake Wheeler, a prominent figure in professional hockey, announced his retirement from the NHL on Saturday after an illustrious 16-season career. The 38-year-old forward, who last donned the jersey for the New York Rangers during the 2023-24 season, retires with a remarkable total of 943 points from 1,172 regular-season games.
Wheeler’s final season saw him registering 21 points, consisting of nine goals and twelve assists over 54 games. However, he faced a setback with a lower-body injury sustained on February 15, 2024, which prevented him from playing for the remainder of the regular season. He managed a brief return, playing just one game in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 28, 2024, against the Florida Panthers. The injury included torn ligaments on both sides of his ankle as well as a broken fibula, impacting his ability to compete effectively.
Selected by the Phoenix Coyotes as the fifth overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft, Wheeler began his career with the Boston Bruins before moving on to the Atlanta Thrashers, where he eventually played for the Winnipeg Jets. He concluded his career with the New York Rangers after signing a one-year contract on July 1, 2023, following the Jets buying out the final year of his five-year, $41.25 million contract.
During his career, Wheeler played 897 games for the Jets and Thrashers combined, ranking first in franchise history for games played, assists, and points, and fourth in goals. Notably, he served as the team’s captain from 2016 to 2022 and led the Jets in various offensive stats throughout his tenure. Overall, he recorded 321 goals and 622 assists in regular-season play.
Playoff Performance
In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Wheeler added to his legacy with 45 points, consisting of 10 goals and 35 assists across 66 games. His playoff contributions showcased his ability to perform under pressure and solidified his reputation as a clutch player.
National Records and Achievements
Aside from his team-specific accolades, Wheeler’s individual achievements place him among the best American-born players in NHL history. He ranks 26th in games played among American players, 25th in goals, 11th in assists, and 14th in all-time points. His standout seasons in 2017-18 and 2018-19, where he recorded 91 points in each, earned him selections to the NHL All-Star Game in both years, highlighting his offensive prowess and consistency.
Post-Retirement Reflections
After the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Wheeler remained unsigned but expressed a sense of tranquility regarding his retirement. He has indicated a desire to focus on his family and personal life, embracing this new phase following a successful hockey career.
Conclusion
Blake Wheeler’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who not only contributed significantly to the teams he represented but also left a lasting impact on the sport. His statistics speak volumes of his dedication and talent, and he will be remembered as one of the premier players of his generation in the NHL.
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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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