Wheeler wallowing in New York

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This article was published 27/10/2023 (709 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s too early to dub Blake Wheeler’s Broadway debut a bust. Things haven’t exactly gone according to script for the former Winnipeg Jets captain in his new, high-profile hockey home.

Seven games. No goals. No assists. Minus-three.

The 37-year-old winger is skating on the third line, at times relegated to the fourth line late in games. He’s not on either power-play unit. And he’s averaging just over 12 minutes of ice time per game.

There’s also been a bit of bad luck, as it appeared he’d recorded his first assist Thursday night only to have the goal wiped out on video review when it was determined Will Cuylle had kicked the puck into the net.

Not surprisingly, the critics are starting to sound off.

“Blake Wheeler has had a nice career, but I have seen very little value to him thus far,” former Rangers centre turned analyst Ron Duguay recently posted on social media.

After being bought out of the final year of his contract by the Jets last summer, Wheeler signed a one-year deal with the Rangers for US$800,000, just over the league minimum. It’s clear nothing was promised to the Minnesota product, and hard-nosed coach Peter Laviolette doesn’t have to worry about loyalty or history when running his bench.

It’s obviously working, as the Rangers are off to a 5-2-0 start which includes going three-for-three on their current five game road swing, with triumphs in Edmonton, Calgary and Seattle. They’ll try to keep it going tonight in Vancouver.

Father Time remains the ultimate opponent, so naturally some will wonder if this is just a case of age catching up with Wheeler. However, the veteran of 1,125 regular-season games — including 874 with Winnipeg spread over 12 seasons — is only one year removed from a 16-goal, 39-assist campaign with the Jets.

In that sense, perhaps a return to his deepest hockey roots will provide a spark. Wheeler and his teammates face the Jets on Monday night at Canada Life Centre (6:30 p.m.), and he’s expected to get a hero’s welcome from the Winnipeg faithful given all his contributions on the ice and in the community.

It should be a special night at the downtown rink.

AROUND THE GLASS

When you grow up watching the genius of Pavel Datsyuk on those dominant Detroit Red Wings teams, it’s easy to understand why playing for your hometown team would be appealing.

Clearly, the Ottawa Senators fan base wasn’t interested in listening to Alex DeBrincat’s reasoning — something that was evident when he played his first game against his former teammate earlier this month.

The reception wasn’t a warm one and the boos were raining down — similar to how it was for Jets centre Pierre-Luc Dubois when he played in Winnipeg recently.

“It’s nice to get it over with,” DeBrincat said Thursday following the morning skate ahead of the Wings tilt with the Jets. “Probably not the most fun game that I’ve had in my life, but it’s good to see some old friends, obviously.”

DeBrincat was traded to the Red Wings during the offseason and has made a big impact for a team that’s off to a 5-2-1 start. Although he was held off the scoresheet in a 4-1 loss to the Jets, DeBrincat leads the NHL with nine goals and has 13 points through eight games.

“He’s so crafty. Just kind of a natural goal scorer,” said Red Wings defenceman Ben Chiarot. “Every time he gets the puck, he knows where to put it on net, where it’s got the best chance to go into the net. He’s just a really smart offensive player and he’s been a really good addition for us.”

Playing on the top line with NHL points-leader Dylan Larkin and winger Lucas Raymond, DeBrincat has brought a number of dynamic elements — including an exceptional release — to a group that worked to add primary and complementary scorers in trades and free agency to stretch out the depth on the roster.

“Obviously, I knew he could put the puck in the net. I don’t know if I was anticipating nine (goals) in seven (games),” said Detroit forward Andrew Copp. “He does what he does so well, (He) not only scores, but he creates offence. He’s such a good passer, he understands the timing and has all of those offensive-zone instincts that make him elite at that. He’s been fantastic.”

Jets left-winger Kyle Connor, a Michigan product himself, knows a thing or two about finding the back of the net with regularity and has a deep appreciation for DeBrincat’s skillset after working out with him during the offseason.

“He’s a fantastic player. One of those that you’re hoping he lands on your team,” said Connor, who is up to five goals and two assists. “He found a home here and he’s off to a great start. He can score in so many different ways. He has a pretty sneaky release, gets it off quick. Easy to play with.

“The way he thinks the game and finds open ice for himself and his teammates, it’s really showing how dangerous he is.”

DeBrincat was quick to deflect praise to his linemates when asked about his hot start, though he shared what it’s meant for him to wear the winged wheel and to be part of a team on the rise.

“Growing up watching the Red Wings for all of my years and seeing all of the success that they had, to be able to come here and try to recreate some of that success is very exciting,” said DeBrincat. “Everyone obviously has the same goal in here, to get better as a team and really improve. I know they were in a (playoff) spot for quite a while last year. They were right on that edge.

“We’ve had a good start and hopefully we can keep that momentum going and use that as fuel. Confidence is a big thing in this league and in here, we know what we have, we know the depth that we have and that’s going to play to our advantage.”

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Is this the year Jack Roslovic finally reaches his potential?

The early returns are promising for Winnipeg’s 25th-overall pick from the 2015 Draft, as Roslovic has posted six points (two goals, four assists) in his first six games with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

That’s a nice development for a 26-year-old forward with an NHL career-high of 45 points (set over 82 games in 2021-22). Perhaps, playing under new head coach Pascal Vincent — who was Roslovic’s coach with the Manitoba Moose (2016-18) when he had 83 points (28 goals, 55 assists) in 97 AHL games — is helping the cause.

Roslovic, Vincent and Patrik Laine (who is currently injured after taking an ugly head-shot from Calgary Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson that earned him a four-game suspension) will make their lone visit to Winnipeg on Jan. 9.

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Although Jets associate coach Scott Arniel wasn’t ready to make an official announcement after Thursday’s win in Motown, dropping a Rick Bowness-esque ‘We’ll see’ when asked if Connor Hellebuyck had done enough to enjoy an evening off, the expectation is that Laurent Brossoit will make his second start of the season against the Montreal Canadiens Saturday night (6 p.m.).

Brossoit stopped 22 of 26 shots on Oct. 19 in a 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

No doubt Brossoit is looking forward to returning to Las Vegas next week, with the Jets starting a three-game road trip on Thursday night against the defending Stanley Cup champions.

He told the Free Press he will be receiving his championship ring prior to puck drop.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

X: @WiebesWorld