Blake Wheeler is going to be out a while.
The New York Rangers announced earlier this afternoon that forward Blake Wheeler has been placed on long-term injured reserve.
It has been confirmed that Wheeler is guaranteed to miss the remaining portion of the regular season. There is a small chance he returns during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but that is unlikely and depends on how deep of a run the Rangers make.
Wheeler suffered a gruesome lower-body injury during Thursday's win over the Montreal Canadiens. He struggled to get up and then was promptly helped off the ice by teammates.
Once making it to the tunnel/zamboni area, Wheeler was stretchered away to receive further care.
The injury occurred at the 11-minute mark of the first period. Jayden Struble threw the hit and Wheeler folded in an awkward position behind the net.
The Rangers now hold $5.2 million in cap space after moving Wheeler to LTIR. This comes just a few weeks ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline, which is on March 8.
Wheeler recorded nine goals and 12 assists for 21 points during 51 games with the Rangers this season. His career point total sits at 943, just 57 shy of 1,000 in 1,172 games played.