With the recent news of the Winnipeg Jets stripping Blake Wheeler of the captaincy, NHL trade rumors are making the rounds on when a Wheeler trade could happen?
Frank Seravalli stated back in June that the Jets have begun to explore the market and engage with teams on the possibility of trading Wheeler.
Wheeler had complete control over his trade destination until July 1, 2022, now his full “no-move” no- trade clause has converted into a five-team list to which he’d accept a trade.
Islanders, Rangers, Red Wings interested in Blake Wheeler
New York Islanders
GM Lou Lamoriello tried all summer long to find an offensive forward to play with Mathew Barzal. He could not convince Johnny Gaudreau to sign with the Isles, Nazem Kadri had no interest.
Will Lamoriello target Blake Wheeler? He could be the missing piece for the team as he is a point-per-game, play-driving winger with size and heart.
If the Islanders want to be a playoff contender this year, Wheeler should be on top of their list to make a trade.
New York Rangers
Last seasons postseason run by the New York Rangers proves they are a piece or two away from being a Stanley Cup champion. A Wheeler trade will bring leadership and some scoring to an already potent Rangers lineup.
The Rangers have the assets to make a trade but can they fit his salary cap into the lineup?
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings want to be a playoff contending team and adding Blake Wheeler to the lineup could help them squeeze into the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Red Wings have the salary cap space to take on his contract and assets to complete a trade.
The question would be, does Wheeler want to play in Detroit? Would he rather play in New York?
Why will a Blake Wheeler trade be hard to complete?
Blake Wheeler is 35 years old, he has miles on his body and he still has two more years left on his contract with a $8.25 million Jets salary cap hit.
He can still produce as he put up 60 points (17g, 43a) in 65 games last year on a team that was in turmoil.
But, the only way a Wheeler trade happens is if the Winnipeg Jets eat half of that big contract that is still owed.
