The Winnipeg Jets are expected to part ways with veteran forward Blake Wheeler this offseason, hoping to get his contract off the books after the team underperformed in 2021-22. Wheeler is due to make $6.5 million next season and $8.25 million in 2023-24 before hitting unrestricted free agency.
The 35-year-old, who will be 36 at the start of next season, doesn't figure to have a future in Winnipeg, who will be looking to flip him during the offseason. The return likely won't be very much, considering his age and salary, but if the Jets can get his salary off the docket it'll open up cap space for them to address other areas of need.
Wheeler is coming off a solid season for the Jets. Across 65 games, Wheeler recorded 60 points, including 17 goals and 43 assists. Once one of the best forwards in all of hockey, age has caught up to the 14-year veteran a bit, but it hasn't slowed him down entirely. While he's a ucfew years removed from a 90+ point season, he's still been effective in Winnipeg.
With various teams in need of a buff in the attacking third, Wheeler should have a handful of suitors this offseason. While his salary and partial no-trade clause could make a deal more difficult, there are still plenty of suitable landing spots for the 35-year-old.
With all that in mind, here are the three best trade destinations for Winnipeg Jets forward Blake Wheeler during the 2022 NFL offseason.
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Blake Wheeler Trade Destinations
The Coyotes are only a true trade destination for Wheeler if he would agree to be dealt to a non-contender, which could be unlikely. The Coyotes could look to buyout Wheeler from his contract if he agrees to a trade there, which would enable to him to subsequently sign with any interested team of his choosing.
The Coyotes, who are still figuring out their rebuild, have shown willingness to absorb bad contracts in the past and could be the perfect target for the Jets to engage with over Wheeler. The Coyotes could also take on a prospect in the trade with Wheeler, making the deal a bit more worthwhile on their end.
With Kevin Fiala now in LA, the need on offense isn't quite as glaring. But that doesn't mean they can't stand to improve in the attacking third. Wheeler could provide LA with another important veteran on offense as they look to overcome a disappointing first-round exit from the 2022 NHL Playoffs. Despite having re-signed Adrian Kempe, getting a player of Wheeler's caliber to insert into the second or third line would be a great move for the Kings, who could use some experience up front.
A near-300 goal scorer who has 867 career points certainly seems like the type of veteran a team should roll the dice on, especially after proving last year that he still has plenty in the tank.
The connection between the Panthers and Blake Wheeler is largely tied to Claude Giroux's future in Florida. If the Panthers are able to retain the veteran free agent, Wheeler's fit on the team makes little sense. However, if Giroux signs elsewhere, the Panthers would be a perfect landing spot for Wheeler.
He'd certainly waive his no-trade clause to join the Presidents Trophy winners where he'd have an excellent shot at competing for a Stanley Cup. The Panthers are pressed for cap space but adding Wheeler could play a crucial role in the team retaining its spot as the regular-season champs, and the veteran forward could put up some devastating numbers playing alongside the likes of Sasha Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau.
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