SIGNING: Blake Wheeler Agrees To Shocking Salary

After career earnings of $74M+, veteran Blake Wheeler was seemingly fine to accept a minimum-salary deal to go to a team of his choice. And the New York Rangers are the beneficiaries, signing Wheeler to a shocking $800,000 deal.

Blake Wheeler to Rangers, one year deal, $800k salary plus $300k max bonuses available. Rangers add quality veteran.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2023

The deal includes an extra $300,000 in incentives. He'll also get $2.75M in buyout money from the Winnipeg Jets this year and next. 

Wheeler bid farewell to Winnipeg in a heartfelt message yesterday, but didn't take long to find a new gig.  

It's certainly a nice landing spot, a team that will be a presumed contender in the Eastern Conference. 

The 36-year-old now gets to line up perhaps with the likes of Mika Zibanejad or Filip Chytil, and have a real chance to win as his career is on the Back Nine.  

Wheeler finished this past season with 55 points in 72 games, playing just over 17 minutes per contest. 

Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAYs