It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Winnipeg JetsYou can find out more about this by clicking here. Blake WheelerThe team announced on Friday that he could buy out his last year’s contract by waiving unconditional waivers. Here’s what you need to know:
- Spotrac reports that the 36-year old is due $8.25million in 2023-24. This will be the final year of the five-year contract he signed back in 2019.
- Wheeler, in his 13th year with the Thrashers/Jets, racked up a total of 55 points (39 assists, 16 goals) over 72 games.
- Former Jets captain makes his debut NHLIn 2008, the BruinsHe has accumulated 922 career points (312 goals, 610 assist) during his career.
Blake Wheeler has been placed on waivers today by the Winnipeg Jets to buy out the last year of his contract.
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) June 30, 2023
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What does it mean for Winnipeg?
This means that the Jets will be able to move forward. Wheeler’s lack of captaincy was not enough to change his status as the de facto centerpiece of Winnipeg’s dressing room in 2022-23. Wheeler’s voice was still well-projected and well-heard, whether in the form of teammates echoing Wheeler’s messaging after Rick Bowness’ post-playoffs tirade, the way Adam Lowry said he thinks “We all still look at Wheels as the captain,” or the way Wheeler arranged team social functions like group dinners or the Jets’ Superbowl party.
Wheeler’s was the most powerful voice for a generation of Jets, for better and for worse: He was there as a loving big brother for Josh Morrissey when Morrissey’s dad was suffering from cancer, just as he was sometimes a difficult, over-intense teammate who — by his own admission — came to the rink “spitting nails” at those around him more often than he wished he did. Wheeler’s tenure saw Winnipeg get to the precipice of greatness but no further: Now the Jets’ room belongs to its core players and its next generation of leaders. It’s a positive thing for the Jets. — Ates
What does this mean to Wheeler?
In a particularly contemplative moment, Wheeler once told me that “The clock is ticking whether I want it to or not. Whether it’s five years from now or eight years from now. I’m on the back nine of my career, for sure, so [winning is] all that matters.” Wheeler is free to sign with any NHL team now: he has an open-ended future in front of him, maintains a middle-six forward’s ability to impact a game, and will hit the open market in search of the Stanley Cup.
It’s easy to think out loud about a reunion with Paul Maurice in Florida, given Wheeler’s summer holidays to that state, but don’t think of it as a sure thing. Wheeler has chosen Winnipeg over and over again during his 12-year Jets’ career. He’s free to choose his own path now and one would understand him taking a moment to think it through. — Ates
What does this mean for Wheeler’s legacy with the Jets?
Dustin Byfuglien’s retirement and Bryan Little’s injury made Blake Wheeler the last of the “day one” Winnipeg Jets. Wheeler scored 812 goals in 897 games with the Atlanta/Winnipeg team, including 795 in 874 Jets games. He was a prominent player amongst the most memorable 2.0 Jets – from Byfuglien to Little, Jim Slater to Chris Thorburn – and achieved elite stature at even strength. At 30, he became captain, quarterbacked an offensive power play that allowed him back-toback 91-point seasons, and chose Jets as the team for his two biggest contracts. His departure changes none of this, nor does it change Wheeler’s consistent community presence, his fundraising for CancerCare or the lesser-known but thoroughly-felt impact he’s had on kids and families throughout Manitoba. Wheeler’s accomplishments will be celebrated as best they can by Jets staff and Jets supporters.
There are head-scratching moments as well — an often abrasive approach to interactions (including those with teammates), a terse relationship with many members of the media and frequent scapegoating of the team’s youth for the Jets’ failure to take the next step. It’s not all roses. He was not loved by everyone. But Wheeler’s legacy will be one of under-appreciated greatness, particularly early in his career, along with a willingness to sacrifice any number of body parts for his team, standard-bearing work ethic and an honest love of the game. — Ates
What does this mean for the Jets’ cap?
Wheeler was never expected to return substantial assets toward re-setting Winnipeg’s window to win. His buyout instead costs the Jets this season and next $2.75million. The Jets save $5.5 million in comparison to his $8.25m cap hit for this season. This allows them to replace him. However, it costs them $2.75m next season.
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(Photo: John E. Sokolowski / USA Today)
