Jets buy out Wheeler after 13 seasons with franchise

It's the end of an era in Winnipeg.

The Jets are placing former captain Blake Wheeler on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying out the final year of his contract, the team announced Friday.

"It has been my absolute honor and privilege to be a Winnipeg Jet, to represent this city and this organization," he said.

Here's a breakdown of a buyout for Wheeler, according to CapFriendly:

The buyout will make Wheeler an unrestricted free agent eligible to sign with any team. The Dallas Stars are among several clubs interested in the winger, reports TSN's Darren Dreger. However, Wheeler's camp would prefer a move to the Eastern Conference, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

The writing had been on the wall for a divorce between the two sides. The club reportedly tried to trade him but was unsuccessful.

Once one of the game's best wingers, Wheeler's production fell to 16 goals and 39 assists in 72 games this past season. His underlying numbers have taken an even steeper decline. He turns 37 in August.

Wheeler recorded a heartfelt goodbye to Winnipeg fans and the Jets organization.

The Jets also honored Wheeler with a tribute video.

Wheeler spent 13 seasons with the organization, including all 12 it's been in Winnipeg since relocating from Atlanta in 2011. He wore the 'C' for six campaigns and is the franchise's all-time leader in games played (897), assists (550), and points (812).