Ron MacLean Reveals Unexpected Blake Wheeler Announcement During Hockey Night in Canada

After the buyout of his contract by the Winnipeg Jets, longtime franchise veteran and former captain Blake Wheeler signed a one-year deal with the New York Rangers.

His season was abbreviated in February 2024 when he suffered a freak leg injury that had him suit up for only 54 games in which he tallied nine goals and 21 points, one being a playoff point.

While he did make it to the playoffs, it was not the happily-ever-after dream that 1,172-game veteran Wheeler had envisioned.

Wheeler had witnessed his own share of adversity already before he walked away from Winnipeg. The newly installed head coach at the time, Rick Bowness, was the one who initially demoted Wheeler as captain, one he would later regret, one that symbolized the end of an era.

The Jets were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, and Wheeler left Winnipeg.

After last season spent in New York, Wheeler never dressed for one game in the NHL this year while rumors surfaced about a possible pro tryout with the Boston Bruins. It did not pan out, and he faded out of hockey.

At the age of 38, Wheeler has started savoring life away from the rink, enjoying time with family, being a dad, and appreciating little things.

As Ron MacLean unveiled last night, Wheeler will join as a 'Hockey Night in Canada' panelist, on for three nights as an analyst.

This is a much-appreciated new addition for a player who otherwise still has a voice and wealth of experience, one that the game certainly requires.