Former New York Rangers veteran Blake Wheeler has officially revealed the truth behind why he finalized his retirement from the National Hockey League after 16-seasons.![Blake Wheeler with the Rangers]()
The 38-year old veteran forward, Blake Wheeler, ended up retiring at the end of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs with the New York Rangers. As he spent only one season with the Rangers organization with hopes in securing a Stanley Cup victor, but unfortunately the Rangers were eliminated by the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Wheeler certainly had himself an impactful career in the National Hockey League, as he played nearly 1200 games that split between the Boston Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, and finally the New York Rangers. However, it's safe to say that he is best know for his time with the Jets as he ended his career as the franchise leader in assists and points (321 G, 622 A, 943 P).
Blake Wheeler Reveals Truth Behind Announcing His Retirement From The NHL
Just recently, Blake Wheeler spoke with the Winnipeg Jet's official website about his retirement, which was announced last month, but the former Rangers forward explained he knew his time in the NHL was over once the Rangers were elminated by the Panthers during the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals.
«I mean I've been retired for over a year,» said Wheeler, «Mentally, right after our season ended with the Rangers, I knew that was it for me.»
Wheeler didn't hesitation when making this decision, as he revealed he's more than happy to spending time with his family and kids after missing out on so much over the years.
«The idea of knowing where you're going to go to bed and wake up every night and being around the family more and the kids more,» said the former Jets and Rangers forward. «Being all their activities that I missed for all those years that was exciting. I mean, I didn't have any reservations about it.»
Truly something fans don't blame him for.
