Former Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler made his highly anticipated return to Winnipeg as a member of the New York Rangers. Wheeler, who spent 12 seasons with the Jets and departed as the franchise's all-time leader in points, assists, and games played, received a warm welcome from the fans. The game marked an emotional moment for Wheeler, who fought back tears during a video tribute showcasing his highlights with the Jets. Despite the sentimental atmosphere, the Rangers emerged victorious, with Wheeler contributing to the win. The game also highlighted the Jets' need to find their way forward without their former captain.
Blake Wheeler has gritted his teeth to play through pain before. But this was a different pain, writes @WPGMurat. This was choking back tears in his return to Winnipeg as highlights rolled from his Jets career. And Monday, Winnipeg felt his absence ⤵️ https://t.co/RCsRQCRWT8
Winnipeg welcomed Blake Wheeler so warmly on Monday that he had to fight off tears. Now it's time for the Jets, their 8.8 percent power play, and their decidedly average top line to find their way forward without him: https://t.co/P7jP4UZk9N
Blake Wheeler gets win in return to Winnipeg https://t.co/VXlsMAMEXT
My #NYR story has been finalized with takeaways on an historic road trip, a big night for Artemi Panarin on his 32nd birthday, an emotion night for Blake Wheeler in his return to Winnipeg, a knack for resilience that we've seen before and much more 👇 https://t.co/2bEimGLzQr
My tribute to the Blake Wheeler #NHLJets era, featuring the young man in rocket boots, the curmudgeonly nail-spitting captain, and the heart that kept finding ways to do good things in the community: STORY: ✍️✍️ https://t.co/2zuFe7fDlF
11,898 in attendance tonight for Blake Wheeler's return.
Vincent Trocheck's shot through the five-hole was behind #NHLJets Connor Hellebuyck and went off the post. Hellebuyck does an excellent job of preventing Mika Zibanejad from getting to the loose puck with his glove hand, then Brenden Dillon got the puck out of trouble.
Blake Wheeler told me earlier this week that he had a bunch of family flying in for tonight's game. He wasn't hiding the fact that this game meant a lot to him. He still has a lot of friends and connections in Winnipeg. I wrote about it here #NYR 👇 https://t.co/TK3Yn2WE5L
#NHLJets fans show their appreciation for #NYR Blake Wheeler with a standing ovation during his video tribute in the first period. https://t.co/YUVTRcYk66
Moving tribute video for #NYR Blake Wheeler in his return to Winnipeg… Fans definitely gave him a warm welcome back. https://t.co/YstfW7vRdf
Blake Wheeler tribute. #NHLJets https://t.co/lfQIqLNNuI
Here comes the Blake Wheeler video.
Blake Wheeler (and linemates Vincent Trocheck and Will Cuylle) get to start tonight in Winnipeg. #NYR
#NYR starters vs. Jets: Cuylle-Trocheck-Wheeler Miller-Trouba Shesterkin No. 17 gets the starting nod in his first game back in Winnipeg.
It'll be #NYR Igor Shesterkin vs. Connor Hellebuyck tonight in Winnipeg
#NYR Peter Laviolette on Blake Wheeler's return to Winnipeg tonight for the first time after 12 seasons with the team & Wheeler says it's 'strange' being in the visiting locker room, starting to get comfortable in new system https://t.co/dMpUgHEQ9l
Former #NHLJets captain Wheeler makes his first return to Winnipeg with #NYR: https://t.co/GKfd1dVsSM
After 12 seasons in Winnipeg, six as captain and departing as the franchise's all-time leader in points, assists and games played, Blake Wheeler makes his much anticipated return tonight as a #NYR. More from @JohnLuTSNWpg: https://t.co/FI3T3A2ahd
“First game I looked for on the schedule” — #NYR Wheeler “uncomfortable”. but ready for return to face #NHLJets tonight: https://t.co/Fn32U3xsOU
#NHLJets expecting warm reception for Wheeler: 'It'll be a special night' https://t.co/aSfHnM0lJo Scheifele, Morrissey weigh in on protective hockey equipment following tragedy https://t.co/aIKiKFk4bg
It was strange to talk to Blake Wheeler in the visitors' room today. The feeling upon seeing him is still of seeing a Winnipegger, of seeing a prominent Jet.
Blake Wheeler is back. https://t.co/YEVblNmk43
Blake Wheeler was there at the beginning of the Winnipeg Jets 2.0. He helped define the last era of hockey in Winnipeg. But when he arrived, he was an unheralded player, a world away from his eventual captaincy. @WPGMurat has more ⤵️ https://t.co/6cBUmXkyFa
New look to PP2. Wheeler is back in, at net front. Kakko to the bumper. Laf on the left half-wall. Cuylle out. #NYR https://t.co/311z4DyQ5J
Former #NHLJets captain Blake Wheeler makes his first trip back to Winnipeg with #NYR. https://t.co/wgw47uCkrp
Blake Wheeler skating with #NYR PP2, along with Kakko, Lafreniere, Gustafsson and Chytil
Blake Wheeler's strengths were legendary, his weaknesses boiled over, and he was underrated for ages despite elite results — like a true Winnipegger. Here is my deep dive on Wheeler's legacy in Winnipeg: what he's meant to #NHLJets on and off the ice: https://t.co/NqNzXSiB1C
Connor Hellebuyck returns to the net for #NHLJets tonight Vs #NYR
Connor Hellebuyck is your starter tonight. #NHLJets
Blake Wheeler returns to Winnipeg tonight as the Rangers look to end their road trip at 5-0-0. I caught up with the forward before they left town. Some interesting stuff here from Wheeler about his return: https://t.co/zYgqcJq6DR