Blake Wheeler Bids Farewell to the NHL After a Remarkable 16-Year Career
It’s the end of an era in the NHL, as longtime Winnipeg Jets icon Blake Wheeler has officially announced his retirement after an incredible 16 seasons in the league. Honestly, it’s a bit emotional talking about this one — Wheeler wasn’t just a player; he was a symbol of leadership, consistency, and loyalty in a league that changes fast.
Blake Wheeler’s journey began when he was selected fifth overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes. But he didn’t actually make his NHL debut until 2008 with the Boston Bruins. Just a few years later, in 2011, he found what would become his true hockey home — first with the Atlanta Thrashers, and then with the Winnipeg Jets after the franchise relocated.
For 13 seasons, Wheeler wore the Jets jersey with pride, and from 2016 to 2022, he wore the captain’s “C” on his chest. During his time with the Jets/Thrashers organization, Wheeler put up some truly remarkable numbers. He played 897 games, dished out 550 assists, and notched 812 total points — all franchise records. He scored at least 20 goals and 60 points in seven consecutive seasons, and was a steadying force in the locker room through six playoff appearances.
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League-wide, Wheeler’s contributions were just as impressive. Over the span of his NHL career, he played 1,172 regular season games and racked up 943 points (321 goals and 622 assists). In the playoffs, he added another 45 points in 66 games — a testament to his ability to perform when it mattered most. Even in his final season with the New York Rangers in 2023-24, despite battling a tough lower-body injury, he still contributed 21 points in 54 games.
His final NHL appearance came during the 2024 Eastern Conference Final — Game 4 against the Florida Panthers — showing just how much he wanted to help his team, even if it meant pushing through adversity.
Beyond the stats, Wheeler’s impact is hard to quantify. He’s 26th all-time among American-born players in games played, 25th in goals, 11th in assists, and 14th in points. That puts him in elite company, a quiet giant who let his work ethic and play on the ice speak for itself.
So today, as Blake Wheeler steps away from professional hockey, we’re not just recognizing a great player — we’re celebrating a true ambassador of the sport. He was a franchise cornerstone, a locker room leader, and one of the most respected figures in the game.
Thank you, Blake Wheeler, for 16 incredible seasons. Your legacy will forever be etched in NHL history and in the hearts of hockey fans everywhere.
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