Most of New York’s forwards like to make that extra pass rather than shoot. The Blake Wheeler signing puts that idea to rest this season.
With limited cap space, GM Chris Drury was not projected to land one of the marquee free agents this offseason. Instead, he stuck to his guns and pulled off one of the best bargains the Blueshirts have landed in quite some time. New York’s signing of the summer was former Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler. Here’s what the 37-year-old forward brings to the roster on a one-year deal worth $800K.
What The Blake Wheeler Signing Provides To The Rangers Offence
The musical artist “JoJo” released a song in 2006 called “Too Little, Too Late”. I wonder if she was talking about the idea of love, or describing free agents typically signed by the New York Rangers. It’s no secret that the Rangers have a history of acquiring players that are “over the hill”. For example, two names immediately come to mind: Guy Lafleur and Marcel Dionne.
Both players were prolific scorers for their respective organizations. Instead, they welcomed a new challenge in what was simply known as “The Dog Days” of New York. The mid-to-late 80’s were dreadful if you were a Rangers fan. Uninspired play and disappointment reached all the way up to the Blue Seats of Madison Square Garden. That so-called disappointment was reiterated by the lack of quality from their free-agent signings.
Slowly but surely, New York ended this stigma with numerous acquisitions such as Mark Messier, and Rick Nash, even in the present day with Artemi Panarin. New York is hoping to add former Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler to this shortlist. Although his age does not do him any justice on paper, he possesses a few attributes that are needed on this Rangers roster.
Experience and Leadership
There was one point in time, just a couple of years ago, when we simply did not know who the true leader of this team was. People argued that it was Chris Kreider, the longest-tenured Blueshirt. Others said it was the team’s most prolific point-getter, Mika Zibanejad. All in all, the organization decided to name Jacob Trouba the 29th captain in Rangers history before the start of last season.
It was evident that the team lacked leadership. They rotated their assistant captaincies like a merry-go-round at the local fair. Naming Trouba the captain was needed for the Rangers because the team was looking for a voice. Although being the on-ice leader might make you seen in a different eye to the front office, it does not matter for the New York Rangers.
This is the same team that traded away both of their last two captains: Ryan Callahan and Ryan McDonagh. Funny enough, both ended up landing under the regime of Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay. Wheeler becomes the first “former captain” to call New York home since Rick Nash played his last season for the Rangers in 2016-17. Another older presence is not the worst case for this team. If they were not already set, one can make a case for Wheeler to have an ”A” on his sweater this season.
A “Shoot First” Mentality
When seeing the Rangers at MSG, you are going to hear the word “SHOOT” echo throughout the building numerous times. The Rangers are simply not a shoot-first type of team. They would rather make the extra pass for a clearer shot on frame.
Drake, Abraham Lincoln and 1960s-era Broncos – these are a few of his favorite things.
Get to know Blake Wheeler. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/JHXbUAcbyG
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 3, 2023
Wheeler puts that mantra to bed while he’s on the ice. He carries both a wicked wrist and a snapshot in his arsenal. Playing alongside a playmaking centre like Zibanejad or Vincent Trocheck could amplify his point production in his one season on Broadway.
“Reunited And It Feels So Good”
Team chemistry is such an underrated component in the world of sports. It’s difficult for a player to adapt to a brand-new system; and even more difficult for Wheeler after spending 12 seasons with the Winnipeg franchise. Plymouth, MN had seven 20+ goal seasons and is looking to rejuvenate his career in New York. The best part is that he gets to it beside an old friend.
Wheeler is reunited with the now-current Rangers captain Trouba. The two spent six seasons together in “The Peg” and now look to continue their success on Broadway. The age, although alarming to most, should be the least of the concern. One should look at the many positives of this move. You now have a player looking to shoot the puck and can help bolster the careers of the younger forwards. With Wheeler on the ice, the Rangers will be destined to find the back of the net more often, especially at even strength.
Main Photo: Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports
