Blake Wheeler links himself to the Maple Leafs hours before Free Agency

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Joseph Agosti
June 30, 2023 (6:55 PM)

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News broke Friday afternoon that the Winnipeg Jets have bought out longtime stalwart and former captain Blake Wheeler. Wheeler had come off of a difficult season, and repeatedly clashed with first-year coach Rick Bowness.

Blake Wheeler's year got off to a tough start with Bowness stripping him of his captaincy during training camp, and their relationship never recovered.

After the Jets lost to Vegas in five games in the first round, Bowness ripped his team for showing "no pushback". Wheeler was not thrilled with this charge.

Now Wheeler will be looking for a fresh start in free agency July 1st.

This will be Wheeler's first time entering free agency, and while he isn't the same elite player he was in his prime, he should garner strong interest in the market.

The 36 year old is coming off a solid season with 16 goals and 55 points in 72 games last year for Winnipeg.

Wheeler is still an elite passer who can positively impact a team in a more sheltered role.

There are reports that Wheeler prefers to sign a contract with an Eastern Conference team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be a good fit, at least on paper.

The Leafs are set to lose two wingers to free agency in Michael Bunting and Alex Kerfoot.

Wheeler could slide into the roles left behind by these two as they played in the top six in Toronto.

Wheeler could be a great fit next to Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner given his playmaking talents.

He also shouldn't be too expensive, which makes him affordable for the cap-strapped Leafs. We shall see if Wheeler makes his way to Ontario's capital on July 1st.