Blake Wheeler, a prominent figure in the National Hockey League, is making a swift return to the sport following his retirement in July, joining the New York Rangers` front office in a crucial advisory role for hockey operations.
New Leadership Faces in the Rangers Organization
The Rangers are also bolstering their management team with the addition of another former NHLer, Ryane Clowe. Clowe, who recently departed from the San Jose Sharks` front office, takes on the position of assistant general manager. Concurrently, Jim Sullivan has been promoted to the same assistant general manager role within the organization. Further strengthening the executive structure, Ryan Martin has been elevated to associate general manager and will continue his responsibilities as general manager for the AHL`s Hartford Wolf Pack.
Blake Wheeler`s Post-Playing Chapter
At 39 years old, Wheeler brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished 16-year career in the NHL. A significant portion of his playing days was spent with the Winnipeg Jets, where he played for 13 seasons. After being released by the Jets following the 2022-23 season, Wheeler signed a one-year deal with the Rangers for his final NHL campaign. He quickly became a popular presence within the team during his solitary season in New York.
During his time with the Rangers, Wheeler registered nine goals and 12 assists. His regular season concluded on February 15 due to a severe ankle injury, including torn ligaments and a broken fibula. Despite the setback, he made a commendable return for one playoff game, a Game 4 Eastern Conference Final loss to the Florida Panthers, though he was unable to continue for the rest of the series.
Wheeler`s extensive career spanned 1,172 regular-season games, playing for the Rangers, Jets, Atlanta Thrashers, and Boston Bruins. He finished with an impressive tally of 321 goals and 943 points. The Plymouth, Minnesota native holds the distinguished record as the Jets’ all-time leader in assists (550) and points (897), also ranking second in goals, just behind Ilya Kovalchuk.
Ryane Clowe Joins as Assistant GM
Ryane Clowe, aged 42, also brings a robust playing background to his new management position. His NHL career encompassed 491 games between the 2005-06 and 2014-15 seasons, during which he played for the San Jose Sharks, New York Rangers, and New Jersey Devils. Throughout his career, Clowe accumulated 112 goals and 197 assists.
Key Promotions: Martin and Sullivan
Ryan Martin`s career includes 16 years with the Detroit Red Wings before he joined the Rangers in 2021. His expertise extends internationally, as he served as General Manager for Team USA at the 2022 World Championship. Jim Sullivan, now entering his 17th season with the Rangers organization, previously excelled as the team`s director of analytics, demonstrating his deep understanding of the game`s data-driven aspects.