Blake Wheeler, former teammate of Brad Marchand with the Boston Bruins, has officially announced his retirement from hockey. During his career in the NHL, the Plymouth, Minnesota native recorded 321 goals and 943 points in 1,172 games.
After making his debut with the Bruins and playing three seasons with them, Wheeler moved on to the Atlanta Thrashers and, following the team’s relocation to Winnipeg, Blake became the team’s captain from 2016 to 2022.
In 2023, after becoming a free agent, the player decided to sign with the New York Rangers, but a serious leg injury brought his aspirations to a halt. After failing to find a new team, Wheeler has confirmed his retirement.
Who recently retired from the NHL?
Blake Wheeler has officially announced his retirement from the NHL, closing the chapter on a remarkable 16-year career. Early on, Wheeler shared the ice with Brad Marchand as teammates on the Boston Bruins, forming part of a young core that brought energy and depth to the lineup.
His time in Boston laid the foundation for his reputation as a skilled, dependable right wing. Although their time together was brief, Wheeler’s presence alongside Marchand during those early seasons helped shape the Bruins’ offensive identity in the late 2000s.
As it has been mentioned, after leaving Boston, Wheeler became a key figure in the NHL, especially during his tenure with the Winnipeg Jets, where he served as team captain for several seasons. He was an All-Star twice in this period.
That final stint with the New York Rangers was cut short due to that gruesome injury when his right leg got caught in the ice, and with no new team ahead, Wheeler chose to step away from the game. His legacy includes not only his scoring totals but also the leadership and professionalism he brought to every locker room he was part of.