Boston Bruins sign Blake Wheeler
The Boston Bruins have announced that they have signed right-winger Blake Wheeler to a one-year deal worth $2.2 million. The signing was made after Wheeler was awarded the salary in arbitration. Next season, Wheeler will once again be a restricted free agent (RFA).
Blake Wheeler
Wheeler began his professional career with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League (USHL). The following season, Wheeler elected to go to the University of Minnesota, where he would spend three years.
In his second season with Minnesota, Wheeler recorded 38 points in 44 games. The Gophers went to the Frozen Five where Wheeler led the team to the finals by scoring a hat-trick against the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In the final, Wheeler scored the game winner against the North Dakota Fighting Sioux.
In his final season with Minnesota, Wheeler managed 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points in 44 games. Wheeler played the final season as the assistant captain.
Wheeler was drafted 5th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2004 NHL entry draft. However, after his final year of University, he had generated some value, and elected to not re-sign with the Coyotes in favour of becoming a free agent. The Bruins won the sweepstakes and signed Wheeler to an entry level contract.
He managed to make the squad out of camp, and quickly adapted to the NHL game, notching 45 points in 81 games. Last season with the Bruins, Wheeler played in all 82 games, registering 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points.
Bruin’s Perspective
Wheeler fills out the second line for a Bruins team that is in desperate need of a scoring punch up front. His role will be elevated next season, as the Bruins look to get younger.
Wheeler is another in a skilled group of wingers for the Boston Bruins. Joining the likes of Nathan Horton and Milan Lucic, Wheeler brings even more size up front, making the Bruins one of the scariest teams on the fore-check.
Bruins General Manager (GM) Peter Chiarelli knew that he had to get Wheeler back for next season, and therefore was obligated to sign the expensive deal. The amount Wheeler is making is slightly too much for his skill level. Although he scored 21 goals in his first season, he did regress last year, and as a player is not all that offensively dynamic. In other words, the Bruins know that Wheeler is not the answer to losing Phil Kessel. Nevertheless, Chiarelli was not prepared to let another youngster leave right before his prime.
Wheeler was the final signing for the Bruins up front, however, they now find themselves above the cap, meaning Chiarelli still has some real work to do before the season begins in October.
Wheeler’s Perspective
For Wheeler, this is a great deal, and although the term might not be perfect, the salary is more than enough to make up for it.
Wheeler gets plenty of ice time with this Bruins squad and can expect more next season. Although it is uncertain who the Bruins will end up putting on their second line, with some much shuffling still to do, one thing is certain, and that is the fact that Wheeler will be on it. The 23 year-old Minnesota native should also expect to see time on the team’s second power play unit.
Wheeler may have to go through this same process next year, however, as he is once again a restricted free agent. Unless the two sides can come together during the season, it should not come as a surprise if they head into arbitration.
The Wheeler signing is an expensive one for Chiarelli, and they have to hope that he can have a break-out season in his third year in the league.
Tags: