Blake Wheeler is back with the Rangers in a surprising new role

Blake Wheeler spent the last year of his 16 season NHL with the New York Rangers, and after a year away from the game pondering what to do next, he is back on Broadway.

The scoop comes from Vince Mercogliano of USA Today, and the popular veteran forward will now lend his talents to the team in an off-ice role. Wheeler was limited to 54 regular season games during the 2023-24 season (9-12-21) and worked his way back to appear in one playoff game. He was a very visible and vocal supporter of his teammates while he was on the sidelines, and this moment from the series against the Carolina Hurricanes still stands out in a big way.

Wheeler had great on-ice career, now looks to have impact in new way

Wheeler was a highly effective power forward who was drafted fifth overall in 2004 by the then Phoenix Coyotes. He never suited up for them, and spent three seasons with the Boston Bruins, 23 games as an Atlanta Thrasher, and 12 seasons as a Winnipeg Jet. He retired with a final line of 321 goals, 622 assists, and 943 points in 1,172 games, and 45 points in 66 playoff games.

Wheeler was a very popular Ranger, and having him in an advisory role could be a benefit to the organization. In recent years Wheeler had been a help to the NHLPA by being one of the first 20 NHLPA members to complete First Line training led by former NHL player Jay Harrison, the association’s wellness, transition and performance specialist.

Via the New York Post:

I think the point of it is to almost be sort of like a middleman. A lot of times these conversations are withheld just because guys are scared. You know, as young men, it’s sort of tough to be in touch with your feelings in the first place. Secondly, you don’t know where that information is going, how it’s going to be used for you or against you.

So I think the real philosophy behind it is it to make it maybe an easier entry point for guys to talk amongst ourselves as teammates and if there’s something that needs to be addressed or guys need help, then guys that have gone through the training can kind of point you in the right direction so that these things don’t go just sort of boiling under the surface for long periods of time.

Having a former player who was very productive in their career who is also very good about opening up about his struggles and willing to be a resource to help others can be a great benefit to the team. It was admittedly a long time ago, but it also helps to have the perspective of Wheeler as someone who was an elite NCAA player. In any case, it is great for the Rangers to have Wheeler back, and hopefully he's able to be a great resource for President and General Manager Chris Drury.