Former NHL Star Blake Wheeler Joins New York Rangers Front Office: A Look at His Legacy and New Role
After announcing his retirement from the NHL in July, Blake Wheeler is not leaving the hockey world behind. The 39-year-old former player is set to join the New York Rangers front office in a hockey operations advisory role, as reported by Vince Mercogliano of USA Today. Wheeler had a successful 16-year career in the NHL, primarily with the Winnipeg Jets, where he spent 13 seasons. Following his release from the Jets after the 2022-23 season, Wheeler signed a one-year deal with the Rangers for the subsequent season.
During his time with the Rangers, Wheeler made a positive impact and was well-received by the team. In his final NHL season, he recorded nine goals and 12 assists before sustaining a season-ending injury in February. Despite his injury, Wheeler managed to return for one playoff game but was unable to continue due to his physical condition. Throughout his career, Wheeler played a total of 1,172 regular-season games for the Rangers, Jets, Atlanta Thrashers, and Boston Bruins, accumulating 321 goals and 943 points.
As a native of Plymouth, Minnesota, Wheeler leaves a lasting legacy with the Jets, where he holds the franchise records for assists (550) and points (897). He also ranks second in goals behind Ilya Kovalchuk. Wheeler's contributions to the sport and his new role with the Rangers demonstrate his continued dedication to hockey beyond his playing days.