How Wheeler's versatility helped Jets remain a powerhouse in Scheifele's absence
Blake Wheeler has been one the league's top players (and perhaps most underrated) since arriving in Winnipeg seven years ago, but his value to the Jets has never been more apparent than over the last month or so.
Mark Scheifele - the team's top center and budding young star - has been out of the lineup with an upper-body injury since Dec. 27. Since that date, the Jets are 8-2-2, in large part due to Wheeler's selflessness and versatility.
In Wheeler's 10-year career, he's played almost exclusively on the wing (and was drafted as such), but over the last month he's shifted to center to fill the void Scheifele left behind. Although it's extremely uncommon to see a winger temporarily move to center for a prolonged period of time, Wheeler has done so seamlessly.
And it's not all that surprising to see him succeed down the middle. After all, Wheeler has all the attributes of a great center: big, strong, fast, skilled, smart, with great playmaking ability. It is surprising, however, that he was willing to make the move. Most players - especially of Wheeler's caliber - would much rather stay in their comfort zone at the position they've been playing their whole career.
Instead, Wheeler did what was best for the team - a mindset befitting of a great leader. Had he opted to stay at right wing, Bryan Little would've been thrust into a top-line role, Andrew Copp would've been counted on for more minutes, and Nic Petan probably would have been recalled.
Would the Jets still be in first place in the Central Division with the aforementioned three centers moving up the lineup? It's impossible to know for sure, but most likely, they wouldn't, given that the Blues sit just one point behind them.
Wheeler hasn't skipped a beat playing center, either, collecting 12 points in as many games since Scheifele went down. Playing alongside Patrik Laine means that he's drawing matchups against opponents' top checking lines and D pairings. This is all while learning a new position that comes with added defensive responsibility.
Wheeler sits tied for 10th in the league in points, and tied for sixth in assists. As he continues to pile up points, excel on both the power play and penalty kill, and help his team win in any way possible, Wheeler should definitely be given some Hart Trophy consideration as one of the game's most complete players.
Even though the Jets have plenty of skill up front, are deep on the blue line, and have received great goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck, Wheeler has proven to be the heart and soul of the team. He has clearly raised his game to new heights in his age-31 season, and it's hard to imagine where the Jets would be without him.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)