Blake Wheeler officially announced his retirement from the NHL after a 16-season career that spanned multiple teams and milestones. His final season was with the New York Rangers in 2023–24, where he played 54 games and recorded 21 points before suffering a season-ending lower-body injury in February. He returned briefly for one playoff appearance in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Florida Panthers.
Drafted fifth overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2004, Wheeler went on to play for the Boston Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, and Rangers. Across 1,172 regular-season games, he amassed 943 points, including 321 goals and 622 assists. In postseason play, he added 45 points over 66 games, contributing both leadership and consistent offensive output throughout his career.

Wheeler Retires as Jets Legend and One of USA’s Most Prolific NHL Forwards
Wheeler spent the bulk of his career with the Jets/Thrashers organization, serving as captain from 2016 to 2022. He became the franchise leader in games played (897), assists (550), and points (812), while ranking fourth in goals (262). After being bought out by Winnipeg in 2023, Wheeler signed a one-year deal with the Rangers, capping off his career in New York.
Among American-born players, Wheeler leaves behind a legacy of impressive stats: 26th in NHL games played, 25th in goals, 11th in assists, and 14th in points. His combination of longevity, skill, and leadership has secured his place as one of the most notable U.S. forwards in NHL history.