Blake Wheeler retired at the end of the 2o24 Stanley Cup Playoffs with the New York Rangers. He spent one season as a member of the Rangers. And he was a valued veteran presence. However, he decided to call it a career after spending time in New York and with the Winnipeg Jets.
Wheeler was a good player in his day. He played more than 1000 games over the course of 16 years in the league. He finished with 321 goals and 943 points. Moreover, he ended as the franchise leader in assists and points for the Jets.
Recently, the 38-year-old spoke with the Jets’ official website about his retirement, which was announced last month. The former Rangers forward explained that he knew his career was over once New York’s season was ended by the Florida Panthers in the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals.
“I mean I’ve been retired for over a year,” said Wheeler, via Jets reporter Jamie Thomas. “Mentally, right after our season ended with the Rangers, I knew that was it for me.”
Some players mull over the decision for a while. Hockey is all a lot of them have ever truly known. However, Wheeler did not have a ton of hesitation when making this decision.
“The idea of knowing where you’re going to go to bed and wake up every night and being around the family more and the kids more,” said the former Jets and Rangers forward. “Being all their activities that I missed for all those years that was exciting. I mean, I didn’t have any reservations about it.”
Blake Wheeler Reflects on Special Jets Playoff Run
Jason Halstead/Getty ImagesBlake Wheeler is adjusting to retired life quite well.
One of Wheeler’s greatest highlights came in 2017-18. He scored 23 goals and 91 points for Winnipeg as they finished with one of the best records in the NHL. He only scored three goals in the postseason, but recorded 18 assists as the Jets made it to the Western Conference Finals.
Unfortunately, Winnipeg didn’t win the Cup. They fell short in the West Final against the upstart Vegas Golden Knights. However, it’s a time that Wheeler remembers quite fondly now that his playing days are behind him.
“Years of our group going together, drafting well, preparing these young players, getting them assimilated into our group. Just kind of like everything clicked at the same time, so to see all those pieces come together. What that season turned into, it was pretty cool because it was kind of zero to 100 in a year, which was fun,” the former Jets star said.
Ex-Rangers Forward Could Remain Around Hockey
Wheeler is content not to play anymore. He gave everything he had to give to the game of hockey. His top priority now is being a father to his children and supporting his family.
However, this is not to say he couldn’t make appearances during the NHL season. Wheeler was a part of a few Hockey Night In Canada panels during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. And it’s a gig he is open to trying out again down the line.
“I had a blast, honestly. That Hockey Night in Canada crew is just top shelf, like they are first class, from Ron MacLean on down, yes, so they treated me like gold,” said Wheeler.
“They made the job incredibly fun and easy. I had a blast doing it. We’ll see. I really don’t know what the future holds at this point. And, yeah, we’ll see. Maybe there’s more to come.”
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