Winnipeg Jets: Blake Wheeler All Star Selection Long Overdue
Winnipeg Jets fans are now relieved knowing that Blake Wheeler was selected to the NHL All Star Game. It’s been many years of solid play from Wheeler which has gone under the NHL’s radar. The day has finally come.
Blake Wheeler has been one of the Winnipeg Jets best players since coming from Atlanta. He’s never had any horrible seasons, and generally is among top in the league for points and assists each year. I believe it’s the fact that Winnipeg isn’t covered much. Nobody talks about our guys, and that’s likely why Wheeler flew by them while making these selections.
As you know, there is one guy who sort of proves the statement on Winnipeg being under covered wrong. His name is Dustin Byfuglien. Byfuglien, like Wheeler, is one of the best in the NHL. He brings a physical presence like nobody else. Other teams and players fear him. He’s a one man wrecking crew, and he’s good. Byfuglien is probably one of the only guys in Winnipeg who gets the credit he deserves. For that reason, he gets sent to the All Star Game, leaving other deserving players behind. Not taking anything away from Buff, he’s awesome and everyone absolutely loves him. The fans just want to see different players each year.
Wheeler’s delightful stats
Every year with the Winnipeg Jets, Blake Wheeler has tallied a solid number of points. In the first few years, he was restricted, due to a very weak Jets lineup. As we started to improve, and as he moved further into his prime, his point total started to rise.
In 2015/16, Wheeler was more than well deserving to be picked. He had a lot of success, and ended the season with 26 goals, 52 assists, and 78 points in 82 games. That looks like All Star numbers right there. Of course, it wasn’t enough, which drives me insane. He is far better than many other players given the opportunity to play, which must have been very frustrating.
Last season, Wheeler wasn’t originally picked. However, he was invited to play due to an injury to one of the Central Division’s players. He declined, which wasn’t overly shocking to fans. It’s quite unbelievable how he wasn’t selected right off the bat.
Will he prove himself worthy?
I have no doubt Wheeler is capable of a stellar performance in every game. He’s an all around player, who could be underrated going into it. I hope he goes out, dominates, and leads the Central Division stars to win the whole tournament. It’d be great to see an undervalued player like him go out and prove to the hockey world how good he actually is. I don’t think too many fans think he’s as good as he his, and this will be an opportunity for him to prove them wrong.
Next: Blake Wheeler and Connor Hellebuyck Selected to 2018 All Star Game
Thank goodness, he was picked this season. It’s been a long wait, but finally as a reward for his patience, he was selected.