What is the news with Blake Wheeler and the New York Rangers?

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Joshua Deeds
July 30, 2024 (7:29 PM)

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NHL Free-Agency is near the end as teams finalize their lineup and remaining players will likely have to bargain down to sign a deal with their next NHL club.

Troubling news has surfaced for former Rangers forward Blake Wheeler, who remains a free agent, as August 1st comes upon us soon.

Wheeler signed with the New York Rangers last season playing 54 games, and scoring 21 points( 9 G, 12 A) before being taken out with a leg injury.

He did return in time for the playoffs, but would play limited minutes for the Rangers and hasn't signed with the team as free agency progresses.

Following the Rangers exit from the Eastern Conference Finals, Wheeler may have hinted at retirement, but the 37-year-old didn't rule out a return either.

«I have three kids: an 11-year-old, an 8-year-old, a 6-year-old. The 11-year-old's gonna be in middle school next year,» Wheeler said. «When you come to make those decisions now, I still love the game, still love to play, but I want to be around for their childhood, too, so I think those are the things you weigh.»

With the month of July ending soon and no news on Wheeler's future, is his career in the NHL coming to an end?

But without an announcement could we assume he's still searching for his next NHL opportunity?

Given his injury put him out for some time, teams may be backing off of Wheeler, as it could be considered career-ending. The next month or two will give us an idea of where Wheeler's career is heading.

Even as time dwindles, he could end up signing before training camp, or ink a PTO with another NHL team. Never say never..

Source: The Hockey News
What Is Going On With Blake Wheeler?