Blake Wheeler retires after 16-year NHL career

One of the greatest players to ever suit up for the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets has called it a career.

Blake Wheeler officially announced his retirement from pro hockey, capping off a 16-year stint in the big leagues. Wheeler last played in the NHL in 2023-24, scoring nine goals and 21 points in 54 games during a one-year stint with the New York Rangers.

The former Minnesota High School champion was originally drafted fifth overall in the 2004 NHL Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes. He never signed with the Coyotes, and would ultimately become an impact player with the Boston Bruins starting in 2008-09. But it was in Manitoba where Wheeler blossomed into a franchise player, eventually donning the ‘C’ as captain for six seasons with the Jets.

Wheeler departs the Jets organization as their all-time leader in assists (550) and points (812), and ranks third in goals (262). His peak came in back-to-back 91-point seasons in 2017-18 and 2018-19, with his 68 assists in 17-18 being the most in the NHL. He was a consistent offensive force in Winnipeg, showing value as a playdriving passer who could also knock out anyone who came in his way.

While Wheeler never won the Stanley Cup (the Bruins did just months after trading him in 2011), he still managed to have a highly productive NHL career. He played 1,172 regular-season games, accumulating 321 goals and 622 assists for 943 career points. He also had another 45 points in 66 playoff contests, primarily in Winnipeg.

Outside of the NHL, Wheeler had one assist in six outings at the 2014 Olympic Games and another assist in three games at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Wheeler currently sits 14th in all-time scoring by an American, with Brett Hull leading the way at 1,391 points. The only active American NHLer with more than 1,000 is Patrick Kane, who has 492 goals and 1,343 points in 1,302 games.