Retirement Reflections: Blake Wheeler's Journey from NHL Captain to Family Man
After a successful 16-season career in the NHL, Blake Wheeler has officially retired from professional hockey. The former Jets captain made the decision to retire shortly after the end of his last season with the New York Rangers in 2023-24. Wheeler played a total of 1,172 regular season games for Boston, Atlanta, Winnipeg, and the Rangers, scoring 321 goals and amassing 943 points. Transitioning from the fast-paced life of a pro athlete to a full-time family man has been a smooth process for Wheeler, who is enjoying spending more time with his family and being present for his children's activities.
Throughout his career, Wheeler achieved significant milestones, including leading the NHL in assists in 2017-18, being named to the second NHL All-Star team in 2018, and captaining the Jets to the West Conference Final. Despite these accomplishments, Wheeler is most proud of fulfilling his childhood dreams of becoming a professional athlete and a father. He cherishes the moments of seeing his family in the crowd supporting him and the post-game celebrations with his wife and children.
One of the highlights of Wheeler's career was the 2017-18 season when the Jets made a deep playoff run, reaching the West Conference Final. The team's success was the result of years of hard work, drafting talented players, and building a strong team culture. Wheeler reflected on the special bond he shares with his former teammate Bryan Little, who played a crucial role in the Jets' success. Little, a quiet and unassuming player, remains the Jets' all-time leading scorer with 812 points.
As Wheeler looks ahead to the next chapter of his life, he remains open to various opportunities, including a potential career in the media. He recently made a guest appearance on Hockey Night in Canada and enjoyed the experience. While he is uncertain about his future plans, Wheeler is excited about what lies ahead and is ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities.