(Winnipeg) The Winnipeg Jets announced that they have entered the name of their captain Blake Wheeler on waivers in order to buy out the last year of his contract, Friday morning.
“We are truly grateful for his contribution over his 12 seasons with us,” general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said in a statement. Especially for his seven seasons as Jets captain, and when he led the team to the Western Finals in 2018.”
Wheeler agreed to a five-year, $41.25 million contract with the Jets on Sept. 4, 2018. He was expected to earn $8.25 million next season, according to CapFriendly.com.
Wheeler, 36, has scored 262 goals – the third most in Manitoba franchise history – and 550 assists in 897 regular season games with the Jets.
The American also set franchise records for playoff assists (30) and points (39), and is tied with Adam Lowry for most playoff games played (44).
Wheeler also holds the franchise record for most assists in a single season (71), a mark set in 2018-19.
Wheeler was selected in the first round, fifth overall, by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2004 draft. The veteran also played for the Boston Bruins and Atlanta Thrashers.
The NHL free agent market will officially open at noon on Saturday.