Winnipeg Jets buying out final year of Blake Wheeler’s contract

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets say the team will be buying out the final year of forward Blake Wheeler’s contract.

The Jets say as a result, the former captain has been placed on unconditional waivers.

Wheeler had an average annual value of US$8.25 million for the final year of his contract.

The 36-year-old forward spent 12 years with the Jets, leaving as the franchise leader in regular-season games played (897), points (812), assists (550), and shots (2,462).