Blake Wheeler Injury Update, What Happened to Blake Wheeler?
by Ruksana
Updated Feb 16, 2024
Blake Wheeler Injury Update
Blake Wheeler, a forward for the New York Rangers, suffered a severe lower-body injury during a game against the Montreal Canadiens. The injury occurred when Wheeler was hit by Canadiens defenseman Jayden Struble along the boards behind the Montreal net. Wheeler's right leg buckled under him, causing him immediate pain and forcing him to leave the game.
Teammates and coaches expressed concern for Wheeler, highlighting the impact his absence would have both on and off the ice. Mika Zibanejad, a fellow Rangers forward, emphasized the emotional toll of seeing a teammate and friend injured. Despite efforts to continue playing with a reduced lineup, Wheeler's injury was deeply felt by the team.
After falling to the ice, Wheeler attempted to get up but was unable to put weight on his right leg. Vincent Trocheck and Chris Kreider helped him off the ice, and medical personnel assessed his condition.
The extent of the injury is yet to be determined, but Rangers coach Peter Laviolette acknowledged the difficulty of witnessing such an incident, particularly given Wheeler's veteran status and the purpose behind his joining the team.
Wheeler's injury update is eagerly awaited by fans and the hockey community at large. His absence will undoubtedly impact the Rangers' lineup and dynamics moving forward. As a player with significant experience in the NHL, Wheeler's contributions extend beyond his on-ice performance, making his well-being a priority for the team and its supporters.
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Who is Blake Wheeler?
Blake Wheeler is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on August 31, 1986, in Plymouth, Minnesota, Wheeler stands tall at 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 225 pounds. He plays as a right-wing and shoots right-handed.
Wheeler was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round, fifth overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft but later signed with the Boston Bruins as a free agent. Over the years, Wheeler has played for several teams including the Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, and EHC München.
Notably, he has also represented the United States national team in international competitions. Wheeler has had an illustrious career, earning accolades such as being named captain of the Winnipeg Jets and representing his team at the NHL All-Star Game. His leadership qualities and on-ice performance have made him a respected figure in the world of professional hockey.
Full Name
Blake James Wheeler
Date of Birth
August 31, 1986
Age
37
Birthplace
Plymouth, Minnesota, U.S.
Height
6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
Weight
225 lb (102 kg; 16 st 1 lb)
Position
Right Wing
Shoots
Right
NHL Team
New York Rangers
Former Teams
Boston Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, EHC München
National Team
United States
NHL Draft
5th overall, 2004 (Phoenix Coyotes)
Playing Career
2008–present
Blake Wheeler Early Life
Blake Wheeler was born on August 31, 1986, in Plymouth, Minnesota, to parents Pat and Jim Wheeler, with an older sister named Brooke. Growing up, Wheeler displayed exceptional talent in hockey, playing youth hockey in Wayzata, Minnesota.
He often played above his age group due to his advanced skills. Wheeler's dedication to hockey led him to transfer to Breck School for his junior and senior years to enhance his chances of earning a hockey scholarship. During his high school years, Wheeler showcased his prowess on the ice, leading his teams to various titles and championships.
Apart from hockey, Wheeler was also involved in football at Breck School, setting records as a tight end. His outstanding performance in both hockey and football attracted attention, and he eventually committed to play for the University of Minnesota's Golden Gophers ice hockey team. Wheeler's decision to join the Golden Gophers was influenced by their proximity to his family and their renowned hockey program.
Blake Wheeler Career
Blake Wheeler is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on August 31, 1986, in Plymouth, Minnesota, Wheeler began his hockey journey playing youth hockey in Wayzata, Minnesota.
He later attended Breck School, where he excelled in both hockey and football. After a successful high school career, Wheeler committed to play college hockey for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.
In 2004, Wheeler was drafted fifth overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the NHL Entry Draft but opted to pursue college hockey instead. Following his collegiate career, he signed with the Boston Bruins in 2008 as an unrestricted free agent. Wheeler played for the Bruins until 2011, contributing significantly to the team's success.
In 2011, Wheeler was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers, who later became the Winnipeg Jets. During his tenure with the Jets, Wheeler emerged as a top player in the league, becoming team captain in 2016 and earning multiple accolades, including NHL All-Star selections.
Blake Wheeler Stats
Season
Team
Games Played
Goals
Assists
Points
2008-09
Boston Bruins
81
21
24
45
2009-10
Boston Bruins
82
18
20
38
2010-11
Boston Bruins
58
11
16
27
2011-12
Winnipeg Jets
80
17
47
64
2012-13
Winnipeg Jets
48
19
22
41
2013-14
Winnipeg Jets
82
28
41
69
2014-15
Winnipeg Jets
79
26
35
61
2015-16
Winnipeg Jets
82
26
52
78
2016-17
Winnipeg Jets
82
26
48
74
2017-18
Winnipeg Jets
81
23
68
91
2018-19
Winnipeg Jets
82
20
71
91
2019-20
Winnipeg Jets
71
22
43
65
2020-21
Winnipeg Jets
50
15
22
37
2021-22
Winnipeg Jets
82
24
49
73
2023-24
New York Rangers
53
9
12
21
Blake Wheeler Age
Blake Wheeler, born on August 31, 1986, in Plymouth, Minnesota, is currently 37 years old. Throughout his hockey career, Wheeler has showcased his talent and dedication, becoming one of the prominent players in the NHL.
Despite his age, Wheeler continues to contribute significantly to his team's success, demonstrating his enduring passion for the sport. As he enters his late thirties, Wheeler's experience and leadership qualities are invaluable assets both on and off the ice.
Despite the physical demands of professional hockey, Wheeler maintains his competitive edge through rigorous training and commitment to his craft. As he navigates through the later stages of his career, Wheeler's impact on the game and his legacy as a respected veteran player continue to grow, inspiring younger generations of athletes with his perseverance and determination.
What Happened to Blake Wheeler?
Blake Wheeler, a forward for the New York Rangers, suffered a severe injury to his lower body during a game against the Montreal Canadiens. This happened in the first period of the game at Madison Square Garden. He got hurt when he was hit by a player from the Canadiens, Jayden Struble, while they were near the boards behind the Montreal net. Wheeler's right leg seemed to buckle under him, causing him a lot of pain.
After the hit, Wheeler tried to get up but couldn't because his right leg wouldn't support him. His teammates, Vincent Trocheck and Chris Kreider, helped him off the ice. He couldn't put any weight on his right leg, so he had to be taken off on a stretcher. The game had to be stopped for a while because of his injury.
The Rangers' coach, Peter Laviolette, described the situation as tough. Wheeler is an experienced player who joined the Rangers for this season. His injury is a big loss for the team because he's not just important on the ice but also off it, as he contributes a lot to the team's dynamics.
Wheeler's stats for this season show that he's been quite active, with 21 points in 53 games. Throughout his career, he's played for several teams and has accumulated an impressive record of 943 points in 1,172 NHL games. However, this injury will likely keep him out of the game for some time, and the team will need to evaluate his condition further.
Blake Wheeler Injury Update - FAQs
Blake Wheeler is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for the New York Rangers in the NHL.
Blake Wheeler suffered a severe lower-body injury during a game against the Montreal Canadiens when he was hit by a Canadiens defenseman, causing his right leg to buckle underneath him.
Wheeler's teammates, including Mika Zibanejad, expressed concern and highlighted the emotional impact of seeing a teammate and friend injured.
After falling to the ice, Wheeler attempted to get up but couldn't put weight on his right leg, necessitating help from teammates to leave the ice.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette described Wheeler's injury as tough, emphasizing his significance to the team both on and off the ice.