Wheeler receives warm welcome on emotional return to Winnipeg

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This article was published 30/10/2023 (707 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Blake Wheeler sat in the middle of the visitors bench and did his best to remain his stoic self.

As the cheers built to a crescendo and more and more fans inside Canada Life Centre rose to their feet to show their appreciation with a rousing standing ovation, the former Winnipeg Jets captain couldn’t help but take a look up to the scoreboard to grab a glance at the video tribute celebrating his 12-plus seasons with the franchise.

The full catalogue was on display, beginning with Wheeler as a fresh-faced youngster with the Jets in their inaugural 2011-12 season and going through the glory years.

There were brilliant passes, clutch goals and a few of his most memorable celebrations, including the demonstrative chin strap removal after his shootout goal.

This was a collection of Wheeler’s greatest hits and his new teammates couldn’t help but rise to their feet around him on the Rangers bench.

Wheeler hopped over the boards, waved to the crowd, brought his hands together to say thank you and pointed over to a few of his former teammates on the Jets’ bench before fist bumping a couple of Rangers before skating over for the next faceoff.

You got the sense this was the closure Wheeler might have needed after having the final year of his contract bought out by the Jets this past summer.

It was an unceremonious ending to a brilliant stretch of time with an organization that acquired him from the Boston Bruins in a deal for Rich Peverely back in 2011.

This first trip back to Manitoba seemed to be part of the healing process and Wheeler made sure his wife Sam and three kids — Louie, Leni and Mase — were all part of the proceedings.

“It’s crazy how time flies. That first one coming out of the gate, I looked like a kid and I didn’t have any kids and Sam and I were newly married. You fast forward and we have three kids up there watching the game,” Wheeler said after the Rangers earned a 3-2 overtime victory on Monday night. “Getting an ovation like that, it feels great to know that you made an impact. This community, this town and this organization has been such a huge part of our lives and it will continue to be going forward.”

The video tribute had Wheeler feeling sentimental, there’s no doubt about that.

“I wanted them to stop,” said Wheeler, who is used to the spotlight but doesn’t crave being the centre of attention. “I’ve used the word grateful a million times now, but that was the first emotion.

“I was choking back some tears, but overall, you just feel a little uncomfortable having all of that for you.”

Wheeler explained why he pointed to the Jets’ bench after the tribute as a salute to his former teammates.

“I love those guys and they know that. I’m cheering for them every game, except for (Monday). I want nothing but the best for this organization and those guys,” said Wheeler. “I’m happy that as many guys as I’ve played with over the years were still on that bench, to kind of share in that. So many of them are going to have their moment one day and I look forward to being part of that.”

The experience for the Wheeler family could take on even more significance down the road, though that’s a topic for another day.

Whether or not this is the last game Wheeler plays in Winnipeg as an NHLer, this is going to be one he remembers for a long time.

“Everything from going to the game on a bus and seeing that (Jets) jersey on the other side, I told the guys there was a decent chance I’m going to pass a couple to the other team,” Wheeler said after recording four shots on goal in 13:32 of ice time. “But it was a day I was looking forward to, I really appreciate everything the organization put together today.”

Wheeler was at the heart of the Jets highest highs, including the first Stanley Cup playoff appearance in 2015 and the run to the Western Conference final in 2018.

At his best, Wheeler was one of the best playmakers in the NHL and his vision was one of the many weapons in his arsenal.

Putting up consecutive 91-point seasons meant he was among the most productive right-wingers in the NHL.

His work ethic was his bread and butter and his leadership skills made him a natural succession plan to wear the C after Andrew Ladd was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2016.

Wheeler was the captain for six seasons, but was stripped of the letter prior to his final season in Winnipeg.

At the age of 36, Wheeler managed to put up 55 points but both sides decided it was time to part ways after an off-season deal couldn’t be arranged.

Wheeler wisely decided to join an Eastern Conference club, giving him the opportunity to stay fresher over the course of the season thanks to the reduced travel.

Although he’s now gone without a point in nine games with the Rangers, Wheeler is adjusting to his new surroundings and putting this night in the rearview mirror should help.

Besides, one of the reasons for joining this Original Six franchise was having the opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup he so deeply covets.

“Honestly, the first six games I was not myself. I think just all the newness and acclimating to new circumstances and just kind of hitting the ground running, felt a little bit lost out there,” said Wheeler. “But I think (during) the last week I started to feel really good again, and feeling like myself again. Honestly, for me, I love being out there and feeling like I can play and contribute.

“We’ve got a heck of a hockey team, so it’s just about trying to bring value when we’re on the ice, making a contribution any way you can. You know how it is, once you get going and things start going the right way.”

Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette said he’s had a number of conversations with Wheeler dating back to the summer and expects him to settle into his role as the season moves along.

“Sometimes it takes a minute, (with) new surroundings, a new coach, new places, new home. There’s a lot of things that go on with regard to that. A lot of change,” said Laviolette. “Before Blake got here, there was a good team in place. So we’re just trying to take all of our pieces, which we count on and rely on. I see him somewhere in a production type of role, playing with productive players and (on) the power play. A leader, somebody with experience. We value a lot of things that he brings to the table.”

Wheeler’s teammates showed how much they respect him when they joined in the standing ovation.

Picking up two points on his special night was an obvious bonus.

“Obviously, he deserves it,” Rangers captain Jacob Trouba said of the reception. “He’s probably the biggest player in 2.0 history. He spent a lot of his life, his career here and he had a huge impact on and off the ice. It’s good to see him get a (warm) welcome. It meant a lot to him.

“And I’m happy we could win for him.”

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

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