Jets Rumors: Blake Wheeler Finished in Winnipeg

The writing is on the wall for Blake Wheeler and the Winnipeg Jets as multiple reports have surfaced citing a buy out or trade is coming. The Jets are looking to change their core and the 36-year-old Wheeler is not in their plans.

Wheeler has 1 year left remaining at $8.25M cap hit and salary. A buyout would be 2 seasons with a $2.75M cap hit. https://t.co/Ra0o3TDBOU pic.twitter.com/KQmqk2Nsh3

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) June 21, 2023

So far trade talks have been quiet based on the fact Wheeler's making $8.25 million against the cap and holds trade protection. His five-team trade list has yet to be revealed, however it's expected he'd be open to a move to the Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche.

Wheeler recorded 55 points in 72 games last season and chipped in with six points in five Stanley Cup Playoff games. Most insiders across hockey feel he's not heading back to Winnipeg and now a team is going to have to take a gamble on an aging forward who can still produce at a decent clip.

The Jets are dealing with Connor Hellebuyck's trade request and Pierre-Luc Dubois', so it's likely we see these two players moved out before the Wheeler news drops. Mark Scheifele appears to be the most likely of these four to be returning to Winnipeg.

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