The Winnipeg Jets have placed forward Blake Wheeler on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a buyout.
The Blake Wheeler Era is over in Winnipeg.
The Winnipeg Jets placed their former captain on unconditional waivers on Friday, paving the way to buy out the remaining year of Wheeler's current contract that carries a cap hit of $8.25 million.
Once bought out, Wheeler will provide the Jets with $5.5 million in cap savings in 2023-24, accounting for a dead cap charge of $2.75 million in 2024-25, according to PuckPedia.
Set to turn 37 by the start of next season, Wheeler's age had caught up to him in recent years. The veteran forward finished with 16 goals and 39 assists for 55 points in 72 games last season while logging just over 17 minutes in average nightly ice time. Given Wheeler's defensive deficiencies, that level of offensive production simply wasn't feasible when considered with his contract. And with the Jets having just $8 million in cap space prior to letting him go, buying Wheeler out affords them some much-needed flexibility.
Wheeler spent 13 years in the Jets organization, coming over for the team's inaugural season after the Atlanta Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg. He spent seven seasons as Jets captain prior to this past off-season, with new coach Rick Bowness stripping Wheeler of the 'C' as one of his first moves upon arrival. Still, Wheeler was a productive offensive player in Winnipeg, finishing his tenure with 262 goals and 550 assists for 812 points in 897 games.
Reportedly, Wheeler will draw interest on the free agent market once his buyout becomes official.