Blake Wheeler will miss the rest of the regular season and likely the playoffs with the injury he suffered last night. (Friedman)
Wheeler had 9 goals and 12 assists this season in 54 games.
Adam Rotter: This was obviously expected after how Wheeler couldn’t get back to his feet, had to be helped to the Zamboni area, and then put on a stretcher to get moved for treatment.
Wheeler came to the Rangers to chase a cup and likely turned down more money from other teams to sign with the Rangers for close to the league minimum. He shuffled between the top-line RW spot and the third-line RW and after a slow start he was starting to play better. It seemed like he went through the usual adjustment period that players who play in one place for a long time go through and that he was starting to find his way and look more comfortable. I don’t think his spot, depending on what moves the Rangers made at the trade deadline, was guaranteed, but I could also see him being someone who followed up a so-so regular season with a better playoff. There was also Wheeler’s role in the locker room and as a leader that they will miss. It was a worthwhile and cheap gamble for the Rangers to make, but unfortunately, his season has ended before it was supposed to.