Former Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler may have hung up the skates, but he’s not stepping away from the game. On Monday, the New York Rangers announced that Wheeler has joined their front office as a hockey operations advisor.

The 39-year-old winger officially retired in July after 16 NHL seasons. He spent the majority of his career with the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets organization but also suited up for the Boston Bruins early in his career and closed things out with the Rangers during the 2023–24 season.

Wheeler was a well-liked presence in New York during his lone year with the team, according to reporter Vince Mercogliano. He posted nine goals and 12 assists in 54 games before suffering torn ankle ligaments and a broken fibula on Feb. 15. He returned for one playoff appearance in the Eastern Conference Final against the Florida Panthers but was unable to play the rest of the series.

Over his career, Wheeler appeared in 1,172 regular-season games with the Rangers, Jets, Thrashers and Bruins, tallying 321 goals and 943 points. The Plymouth, Minn., native finishes as the Jets’ all-time leader in assists (550) and points (897), while ranking second in goals behind Ilya Kovalchuk.

It’s unclear whether the Jets ever considered bringing Wheeler into their own front office. Given the organization stripped him of the captaincy before the 2022–23 season, both sides may have felt a fresh start was best.

Still, Wheeler’s impact on Winnipeg hockey is undeniable. He was the face of the franchise for much of the past decade, and he remains one of the greatest players in Jets history. Best of luck to Blake in his new role with the Rangers.