Major status update on Rangers' Blake Wheeler before round three

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Julien Trekker
May 20, 2024 (11:41)

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Blacke Wheeler in action with the New York Rangers.

Photo credit: Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers

We have a major status update to report about the former Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler, as his team, the New York Rangers, prepare for the third round against the Florida Panthers.

Wheeler, 37, who signed a one-year deal with the Rangers last summer, missed most of the season with an injury. In February, he suffered from a lower body injury that forced him to miss the rest of the regular calender.

The Rangers are currently preparing to face the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals and it has been reported that Wheeler will be available when the series start.

"After suffering a gruesome leg injury back in February, Blake Wheeler worked hard to make a full recovery and now will be available for the Eastern Conference Final."

In a recent interview, Wheeler opened up about being off the injury reserve and becoming an option for his head coach Peter Laviolette:

"I think once you get rid of the red jersey, and the fact they take me off of the injured reserve, I think that's been my goal the whole time since I got hurt: to be an option and be available again. And that's where we're at. It's going to be in the coach's hands from there, but I'm ready in any capacity I can to help out."

Even if he couldn't play, Wheeler remained close to his team in the playoffs, cheering for them and celebrating with them in the big moments:

Do you think Blake Wheeler will play in the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers?

Previously on Hockey OTB

Oilers announce Adam Henrique will miss Game 7 in Vancouver

Brock Boeser suffers major injury ahead of game 7 against the Oilers

Edmonton Oilers linked to homecoming with Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk

POLL
20 MAI \| 157 ANSWERS Major status update on Rangers' Blake Wheeler before round three Do you think Blake Wheeler will play in the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers?
Yes	85	54.1 %
No	72	45.9 %
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