Watching Wheeler get hurt on Thursday at Madison Square Garden following a hit by Montreal Canadiens player Jayden Struble was difficult.
Particularly when the 37-year-old’s right leg gave way beneath him as he attempted to walk off the rink.
Wheeler was informed on Friday that he will be out for the remainder of the regular season and probably the whole Stanley Cup Playoffs.
It’s a challenging one. Although he hasn’t been here long, Mika Zibanejad remarked, “he’s had a great impact for us both on and off the ice.” “Amazing athlete.
The Rangers here on Friday also seemed to feel that way. Wheeler’s contributions to the team go far beyond his nine goals and twenty-one points.
Forward Barclay Goodrow said, “You never want to see someone go down like that, especially a veteran guy that’s brought so much to our team this year, on the ice, off the ice, leadership.” It’s difficult to see.
Regarding the on-ice portion, when the Rangers face the Islanders outside on Sunday, Jimmy Vesey will replace Wheeler on the top line between Zibanejad and Kreider.
Wheeler’s spot in the lineup is probably going to be taken by rookie Matt Rempe, who may make his NHL debut in front of 70,000 spectators.