The Winnipeg Jets continued their busy offseason by making more major moves. After trading center Pierre-Luc Dubois to the LA Kings earlier this week, the Jets now also parted ways with franchise legend Blake Wheeler.
The Jets placed Wheeler, who spent 11 years with the franchise, on waivers with the intention of buying out the last year of his contract. The 36-year-old player was set to receive a base salary of $8.25 million in 2023-24.
Wheeler started his NHL career with the Boston Bruins, where he played for two and a half years before joining Atlanta Thrashers in 2010–11. The Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg next season and became the Jets.
During his time with the Jets, Wheeler established himself as one of the franchise’s most important players. He served as the team’s captain between 2016 and 2022 and was one of the key contributors to the Conference Finals appearance in 2017–18. Wheeler played 874 games with the Jets, scoring 255 goals and 540 assists while also receiving two All-Star nods.
“We would like to thank Blake for his dedication and service to the Jets, the city of Winnipeg, and the province of Manitoba,” said Jets’ General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff in a statement. “We are incredibly grateful for the contributions that he has made during his 12 seasons with the franchise.”
“I want to thank everyone in Winnipeg for all the love and support over these past 12 years,” Wheeler added. “It has been my absolute honor and privilege to be a Winnipeg Jet and to represent this city and organization.
