The New York Rangers have signed Blake Wheeler to a one-year contract.
He signed a contract featuring an $800K annual average value, with the potential of an additional $300K to go his way should he fulfill a number of performance bonuses throughout the year.
Wheeler, soon to be 37, was placed on Unconditional Waivers for the purpose of a contract buyout on Friday. His deal was officially bought out Saturday morning, meaning the veteran forward would be eligible to sign a new contract with any team he so chooses.
It just so happened that the Rangers were that team.
One of two veterans to sign within minutes on Saturday, Wheeler - and fellow signee Jonathan Quick - will join ex-teammate Jacob Trouba in New York, where his former defenceman in Winnipeg serves as the captain.
Wheeler will be on the books for $2.75 million in each of the Jets' next two seasons, while making his $800K salary in The Big Apple.
Due to his age and buyout multiplier, the Winnipeg's former captain will cost the club $5.5 million over two seasons, but not costing general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff a draft pick (or two), should he have found a trade partner.
Through 13 seasons with the Jets, Wheeler scored 262 times, while adding another 550 assists for 812 points in 897 regular season games. He put up another nine goals and 39 points in six different playoff runs for the Jets.
The 6-foot-5, 225-pound winger had 16 goals and 55 points in 72 games last season. He leaves Winnipeg as the franchise's all-time leader in games played, assists, points and shots on net.