Blake Wheeler shared emotional message following Jets’ buyout

On Friday, the last day of NHL contract buyouts for the 2023-23 season, the Winnipeg Jets cut ties with forward Blake Wheeler after 13 years with the franchise. He has officially been placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying out the final year of his contract.

TSN's Darren Dreger was first to break the news, before the Jets made it official.

The club also shared a video of Wheeler addressing the Jets’ fanbase, thanking them for the support and love throughout the past 12 seasons. Evidently emotional to part with the passionate fans and his teammates, Wheeler keeps Winnipeg in his heart.

With this buyout in Winnipeg, there is no more original Atlanta Thrashers remaining with the team from their move in 2011.

There is already chatter that some teams are interested in signing Wheeler as a free agent, including the Dallas Stars, per Dreger.

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