News Summary
Blake Wheeler, the veteran NHL forward, has announced his retirement at 38 after a 16-season career. With 943 points across 1,172 games, Wheeler leaves a legacy marked by his impressive contributions to the Boston Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, and New York Rangers. His final season was marred by injury, limiting his participation in the playoffs. With multiple franchise records and All-Star selections, Wheeler is remembered for his dedication and impact on the game as he shifts focus to family and personal life.
New York, NY – Blake Wheeler, a veteran forward with a storied NHL career, announced his retirement from professional hockey on Saturday at the age of 38. He leaves behind a legacy marked by impressive statistics and a significant contribution to multiple franchises over his 16-season career.
Wheeler played his final season with the New York Rangers, where he accumulated 21 points in 54 games, featuring nine goals and twelve assists. His season was cut short due to a serious lower-body injury sustained on February 15, 2024, which resulted in a broken fibula and torn ligaments on both sides of his ankle. This injury sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season and limited him to only one appearance in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, a game on May 28 against the Florida Panthers.
Throughout his NHL journey, Wheeler participated in a total of 1,172 regular-season games, registering 321 goals and 622 assists for a remarkable total of 943 points. He also made his mark in the playoffs, collecting 45 points in 66 games, including 10 goals and 35 assists. His consistent performance over the years earned him a position among the all-time leaders, ranking 26th among American-born players for games played and 14th for total points.
Wheeler was originally selected by the Phoenix Coyotes with the fifth overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft. He began his career with the Boston Bruins before moving on to play for the Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, and finally, the New York Rangers. His tenure with the Jets/Thrashers is particularly noteworthy, as he spent 13 seasons with the franchise, serving as captain from 2016 to 2022. During this time, he established a legacy as the all-time franchise leader in games played (897), assists (550), and points (812), ranking fourth in goals with 262.
Wheeler experienced standout seasons in 2017-18 and 2018-19, both of which saw him reaching 91 points, and he was named to the NHL All-Star Game in both years. After concluding the 2023-24 season, he was unsigned and opted to retire, stating that he felt at peace with his decision.
Wheeler’s journey in professional hockey has not only resulted in impressive statistics but has also shown his dedication to the sport. He has now shifted his focus towards family and personal life in the wake of his retirement. His contributions to the game and the impact he has had on teammates and fans will be remembered long after his on-ice career concludes.
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- 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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