Big names are added to the free agent market. Forwards Blake Wheeler and Matt Duchene had their contracts bought out by the Winnipeg Jets and Nashville Predators, respectively.
Wheeler, who lost his Jets captaincy before last season, was expected to earn an $8.25 million salary in 2023-24 before becoming a free agent. Winnipeg will have to pay a penalty of $2.75 million on its payroll over the next two campaigns.
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“We are incredibly grateful for his contributions during his 12 years with the franchise, including the seven years he captained the Jets and helped the team reach the Western Conference Finals in 2018,” CEO Kevin Cheveldayoff said in a statement.
“It’s been an incredible honor and privilege to be a Winnipeg Jet and represent this city and this organization,” Wheeler said. Thank you all for the support, love and friendship you have shown me over the past 12 years and we look forward to supporting the Jets in the future.”
A sacrifice?
According to TSN reporter Darren Dreger, the Dallas Stars are now among the possible destinations for Wheeler.
It was not because of a lack of productivity that the Jets decided to part ways with Wheeler, but rather in order to afford some leeway in terms of salary. Forwards Gabriel Vilardi, Rasmus Kupari and Morgan Barron will notably become restricted free agents.
The right winger has 55 points in 72 regular season games. The 6’5″ colossus has long been considered one of the best passers on the Bettman circuit. He had two consecutive 91-point seasons, in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
In career, Wheeler is approaching the 1,000 point plateau, having collected 922 in 1,118 games. Traded from the Boston Bruins to the Atlanta Thrashers in February 2011, he was part of the new version of the Jets upon their return to Winnipeg.
Duchene too
Duchene, 32, had a contract valid until 2026 with the Predators, with an average annual value of $8 million.
“It is the continuation of an organizational process that began at the trade deadline – our desire to change the roster, to allow our emerging players to grow and develop, while creating flexibility for build a team that will become a contender for the Stanley Cup,” future general manager Barry Trotz said in a statement.
The Ontario forward had 56 points, including 22 goals, in 71 games last season. He enjoyed a resurgence in 2021-22 with 86 points, including 43 goals, in 78 games.
In addition to Duchene and Wheeler, Detroit Red Wings forward Kailer Yamamoto and Boston Bruins defenseman Mike Reilly also had their contracts bought out.