NHL
Blake Wheeler Re-signed with Jets for Five Years
Celebrating a birthday is even better when it comes with a new contract. Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler re-signed for five more years with one year still remaining on his current deal. The new contract is worth $41.25 million with an $8.25 million average annual value and a first-year, $4 million signing bonus.
Wheeler’s NHL career started in Boston, but he’s played the majority of his seasons with the Jets. He was part of the Atlanta Thrashers before they became the Jets following the relocation in 2011. It came as no surprise that he wanted to re-sign.
“My heart is here… I couldn’t see myself anywhere else.”
The Winnipeg Jets’ front office has been working diligently during the offseason to keep the team together despite cap restrictions. Winnipeg was able to avoid arbitration in a few cases, but they had to proceed with a hearing for Jacob Trouba. It resulted in a one-year, $5.5 million extension that leaves him an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent following 2018-19.
Wheeler’s Effect
If Wheeler manages to put up numbers that are even half of what he had this year, the Jets are in good shape. The 32-year-old captain had 23 goals but totaled 91 points during the 2017-18 season. Not only were his 68 assists a career-high—16 more than his previous high—he led the league.
Wheeler’s goal totals have held steady in the mid- to high-twenties over the past five seasons. While his assists saw a spike, it isn’t unheard of for him to get within the 50-60 range. Is this a big contract for the Jets? Yes. However, there’s no reason for the team to start doubting his consistency right now.
Even if the cap ceiling doesn’t increase, Wheeler’s contract still doesn’t put the Jets in a bad spot. Per CapFriendly, the Jets should have just over $27 million to work with to sign seven restricted free agents on the roster. Arguably the most important will be Patrik Laine’s first standard contract, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to manage financially.
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Photo Courtesy of RRBH Photography
