Blake Wheeler will play for the New York Rangers just four months removed from his final game over the border, earning 10 times less annually between last season’s $8.5 million dollar cap hit and the contract $800,000 he inked with New York.
With the desire to place Kakko and Lafrenière in positions to succeed in the top six and the necessity to prepare Panarin for post-season hockey, the Rangers lineup features the same actors that will be playing different roles for this season’s winter matinee.
A lot rests in the Minnesota native's hands, but the mission this season is to place players in roles that allow them to deliver their full potential in hopes of hoisting the Stanley Cup.
That is the objective perennially, but the Rangers management is emphasizing this due to their economic inability to introduce new assets to the group they have committed to. Where does he play in 2023-2024?
The Wise Man: Blake Wheeler may fit into the 2024 squad as a steady presence for the three forwards under 30 years old. If he still has a motor, he could assist in the development of Filip Chytil in the 3C hole, or Alexis Lafrenière on his opposite wing. At 6’5, his physically imposing presence could be a factor in a checking line replacement for Kakko or Lafrenière as they ascend into the top six. Wheeler played alongside a young Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor in the Jet's competitive years.
The Checking Line: Spread the puck, spread the wealth, check hard, and score goals. Wheeler may slot into a line with Kreider and Trocheck, giving space for the youngsters to seize bigger minutes as complementary pieces. The individuals combined for 58 goals and 310 hits in yesteryear's campaign.
They gain the blue line. No nonsense with their foot on the gas. Each uses their legs in transition or dumps the puck relying on their physical prowess to begin an offensive.
With the sour end to the season, the combination of the two skaters former head coach Gerard Gallant deployed seemed to be lost in the trauma.
Top Gun: It’s worth considering Wheeler as a complimentary asset for Mika Zibanejad or Artemi Panarin. Andrew Copp and Frank Vatrano played exceptionally well with the Ranger's marquee skaters, which may be a recipe for success.
It’s no secret Panarin has struggled in the playoffs and testing Wheeler with Panarin may provide a spark or a connection that fits the competitive brand Laviolette and the Rangers top brass have sought out.
If Kakko or Lafrenière struggle, Wheeler can reliably perform in the big minute’s half dozen.
The beauty of athletics is that these questions we ponder in mid-July will be answered from early fall through the spring. Wheeler is serviceable to the club no matter where he is placed.