Winnipeg Jets winger Blake Wheeler and Vegas Golden Knights centre Chandler Stephenson wait for a faceoff during the first period of Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series in Las Vegas, Thursday, April 20, 2023. The Winnipeg Jets say the team will be buying out the final year of Wheeler's contract. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Lucas Peltier
WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Jets say the team will be buying out the final year of forward Blake Wheeler’s contract.
The Jets say as a result, the former captain has been placed on unconditional waivers.
Wheeler had an average annual value of US$8.25 million for the final year of his contract.
The 36-year-old forward spent 12 years with the Jets, leaving as the franchise leader in regular-season games played (897), points (812), assists (550), and shots (2,462).
His 262 goals are the third-most in franchise history.
The move comes as Winnipeg looks to revamp its team, with general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff saying the team is open to trading players like Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck if the right deal comes along.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2023.
