Josh Morrissey Post-game Former captain of the Winnipeg Jets, Blake Wheeler, has begun shifting his focus. After years of dreaming of going out on top as a Stanley Cup champion, that idea may no longer be on the top of his mind - and is more so serving as a fantasy he will not actually be able to accomplish. "I have three kids," Wheeler said in his year-end media availability. "I have an 11-year-old, an eight-year-old and a six-year-old. My 11-year-old is going to be in middle school next year. I still love the game, I still love to play, but I want to be around for their childhood too. So those are the things you weigh." Having his best shot at glory come with the New York Rangers this past season, Wheeler's Blueshirts fell short against Paul Maurice's Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final. Despite going down with a gruesome leg injury on February 15 which had many believe that not only his season but also his career was in jeopardy, the veteran forward fought back and put together a miraculous recovery, making it back in time to suit up for a single postseason game on May 28. No, he wasn't a critical piece to New York's offence anymore in his 37-year-old season, but he did contribute with his leadership skills and his drive to succeed and win. "Just let things calm down a little bit and actually be able to sit down and talk with my wife, evaluate where she's at," Wheeler said of Sam. "It's the first time we're able to make a group decision on this. We'll figure it out together." Unfortunately his goal for 2023-24 was not achieved and the Presidents' Trophy-winning Rangers were bounced from postseason before making it to the final round. "I've given this game everything I have," Wheeler added. "That's how I evaluate it. That gives me everything that I need to be proud of what I accomplished. Certainly, the ultimate goal, I haven't reached that, but it's the day-to-day stuff, that's really how you can evaluate your career and every day I try to be my best." In 16 season with the Boston Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers, Jets and Rangers, Wheeler has suited up in 1,172 career games, where he has 321 goals and 943 points to his name. He has another 10 goals and 45 points in 66 Stanley Cup Playoff appearances.
