Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Former New York Rangers Winger and Fifth Overall Pick Announces Surprise Retirement

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 1:48 PM ET

Blake Wheeler had a long and successful career in the NHL, and after not playing in 2024/25, the veteran has finally made his NHL retirement official.

Back in 2004, the then Phoenix Coyotes used the No. 5 overall pick on Minnesota native Blake Wheeler, and across the next two decades, he would appear in 1,172 games for Boston, Atlanta, Winnipeg and eventually the New York Rangers.

That lone season in the Big Apple would turn out to be the final one in his illustrious career, as Wheeler has officially revealed that he is now retired at 38-years of age as he looks to move on to his next venture in hockey.

While this was already assumed after Wheeler could not find a role as a free agent in 2024/25, but now the former Jets captain has made it official, ending a fantastic career at the highest level.

In those 1,172 games played, Wheeler posted 321 goals and 943 points, becoming one of, if not the best player in the history of the current Winnipeg Jets, but now, we await what he will do next in hockey after making his retirement official.

Although his one season in New York ended in disappointment, Wheeler showed once again why he had so much sustained success over his career, with an act from Jonathan Quick representing just how beloved Wheeler was in every locker room he was ever in.

One day, we'll look back on the career of Wheeler and see him as one of the most consistent wingers of a generation in the NHL, and while he doesn't get the credit that some of the star players did throughout his time, now, in retirement, he may get all of that respect.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: