Rangers Sign Blake Wheeler to One-Year Deal
The New York Rangers signed Blake Wheeler to a one-year deal. It could be worth as much as $1.1 million against the salary cap. Wheeler became a free agent after being bought out by Winnipeg earlier this week.
WHEELS UP TO š½
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 1, 2023
Welcome to New York! pic.twitter.com/7hqXfFyMVj
The Rangers get some veteran help on the right wing in Blake Wheeler. Doesn't make them faster, but this is a really cost-effective move to address an area of need. pic.twitter.com/eDVrHIqvuM
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) July 1, 2023
#NYR sign Blake Wheeler to a one-year, $800K deal with $300K max bonus if the RW meets all conditions
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) July 1, 2023
Wheeler had a down year by his standards. He finished with 55 points in 72 games with the Jets while also being worth 3.6 goals above replacement. He had 60 points in 65 games the year prior.
Wheeler was stripped of the captaincy by the Jets in September after the team was unsuccessful in their attempts to trade him.
Scott Billeck
Head coach Rick Bowness solicited the input of his players before making the decision to remove the C, making the buyout at the end of the season not all that surprising.
The Jets didn't want the team to be led in-season by someone looking to leave, and the decision with Wheeler was the start of the organization moving in a new direction.
All of this is to say Wheeler is joining a team looking to win a Stanley Cup. He should be motivated to contribute in a smaller role than he had in Winnipeg.
He's a very talented offensive player, and in the right situation be a very productive contributor for the Rangers. The price is an absolute bargain, and if things don't work out, the team can try something else and not hurt themselves financially.
