Report: Jets exploring trade market for Wheeler

The Winnipeg Jets have begun to explore the trade market for captain Blake Wheeler, sources told Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.

Wheeler's five-year, $41.25-million contract signed in 2018 carried a full no-movement clause until this offseason. Now, the veteran winger can submit a list of five teams he'd accept a trade to.

Two seasons remain on Wheeler's contract at a cap hit of $8.25 million.

Wheeler has been with the Jets since the 2010-11 season when the club was the Atlanta Thrashers. He's the franchise's all-time leader in assists (511) and points (757) and ranks second in games played (825).

The 35-year-old was limited to 65 games this past season but still posted 60 points while averaging over 19 minutes per night. Wheeler's been one of the league's most consistently productive wingers since inking his current contract, totaling 262 points in 268 games over the past four campaigns.

The Jets missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017 this past season and recently hired Rick Bowness as head coach to get the club back on track.