Blake Wheeler

Blake James Wheeler (born August 31, 1986) is an American professional ice hockey right winger. He is currently an unrestricted free agent. He has also played for the Boston Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, and New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). He also played for EHC München in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).

Career
Before playing in the NHL, Wheeler played 1 season with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League (USHL). He also played 3 years of college ice hockey at the University of Minnesota. During his time with University of Minnesota, he was named the WCHA Most Valuable Player in Tournament in 2007.

Wheeler was drafted with the 5th overall pick by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Wheeler and the Coyotes could not agree on a contract and he signed an entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins on July 1, 2008. On October 9, he scored played in his first NHL games and also scored his first NHL goal against Peter Budaj of the Colorado Avalanche.

On February 18, 2011, he was traded along with Mark Stuart to the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for Boris Valabik and Rich Peverley. On July 18, 2011, he signed a two-year, $5.1 million deal with the Jets when the Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg.

On October 28, 2012, Wheeler signed a contract to play for EHC München in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) while the NHL was in a lockout. He would return after it ended and become the third-highest paid Jets player after he signed a six years, $33.6 million contract with the team on July 26, 2013. On September 4, 2018, Wheeler signed a five-year; $41.25 million extension to stay with the Jets. On July 1, 2023, the Jets would buy out the rest of Wheeler's contract. He would leave the team as the Jet's all-time leader in both points and assists and was the last player that remained from the team's time in Atlanta.

On July 1, 2023, Wheeler signed a one-year; $800,000 contract with the New York Rangers. He would end up playing 54 games with them before being placed on the injured reserve list after injuring his right leg in a game against the Montreal Canadiens and having to be helped off the ice.

References

 Other websites 

Category:1986 births
Category:Living people
Category:American ice hockey right wingers
Category:Atlanta Thrashers players
Category:Boston Bruins players
Category:New York Rangers players
Category:Sportspeople from Minnesota
Category:Winnipeg Jets players
Category:United States Hockey League players