Blake Wheeler Landing In New York
Blake Wheeler has found his next destination. Following his buyout with the Winnipeg Jets, he will join the New York Rangers. The deal will be for one year and up to $1.1 million including bonuses. This information is based on the Daily Faceoff Free Agency Special. Check it out below:
This is very clearly a steal for Chris Drury. Wheeler didn’t mind taking a deal for pennies as his buyout checks from Winnipeg start coming in. He provides incredibly important forward depth that the Rangers missed in the playoffs. While his role is yet to be clearly defined, he is gonna help a lot. He picked up 39 assists and 55 points for a stagnant Jets team. For the Rangers, however, he should fit in just fine considering how lethal their powerplay is. Another skilled passer never hurts.
Bargain Bin Success
New York has a shoestring budget but is putting it to good use. Jonathan Quick is signing as a backup goalie for a deal worth under a million dollars. This will now allow the Rangers to focus on bringing back their RFAs. In particular, K’Andre Miller is due for a big pay raise. They will likely bring back former #1 pick Alexis Lafreniere in the hope that he could improve under new coaching and veteran leadership like Wheeler. If they’re willing to compromise it’s even possible that the Rangers bring back Vladimir Tarasenko for a reduced AAV.
Blake Wheeler is most certainly moving east. He has taken a minimum deal with the Rangers and has the chance of being a very good pickup.
