Blake Wheeler, one of the offseason surprise signings of Chris Drury and the New York Rangers, is out for the remainder of the regular season, the team announced today. Wheeler, whose leg twisted in an awkward way following a clean hit by Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jayden Struble, had played in all 54 Ranger games this season and had 21 points on nine goals and 12 assists. He was playing on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, though there have been rumors that a first-line right wing is on the Rangers’ wish list ahead of the trade deadline.
The first-period play, which sucked the life out of Madison Square Garden and the Rangers, was reminiscent of the injuries to both Mikhail Sergachev and Kappo Kakko this season. The team did not rule Wheeler out for the playoffs, though that may be just a formality or, at the very least, is dependent on how far the Rangers advance. The move is certain to increase the chatter and speculation that the Rangers will seek an addition to play right wing on their first line.
Kappo Kakko and Jimmy Vesey would seem to be the most likely in-house candidates to replace Wheeler until and unless the Rangers trade for a new player. Vesey handled the bulk of the load last night, a game the Rangers won 7-4, their sixth straight. Kakko has been solid of late as the right wing on the Rangers third line, playing with Jimmy Brodzinski and rookie Will Cuylle. That line has been an offensive spark and a huge contributor to the Rangers’ current six-game winning streak.
For Wheeler, who signed a 1-year, $800,000 deal with the Rangers, the injury ends a regular season in which he was finally starting to look comfortable with his linemates and his role on the team. The Rangers not ruling him out for the playoffs could be an indication that the injury, while severe, was not a full knee tear. Regardless, it is certainly disappointing for Wheeler and the team that he will not be on the ice for the playoff push. The Rangers meet the Islanders in their next matchup, part of the Stadium Series, on Sunday in New Jersey.
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