Wheeler was set to become an unrestricted free agent next season
Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler has agreed to a five-year, $41.25 million contract extension.
It carries an average annual value of $8.25 million for Wheeler, who was slated to hit unrestricted free agency next summer. The deal runs through the 2023-24 season, when Wheeler will be 37.
Wheeler finished eighth in Hart Trophy voting last season after posting a career-high 68 assists and 91 points.
With his new cap hit, Wheeler is set be the Jets highest-paid player in 2019-20, sitting above Dustin Byfuglien's $7.6 million. Mark Scheifele will be the Jets highest-paid forward this season with a $6.125 million. Wheeler could see his salary topped when the Jets re-sign Patrik Laine, who will be a restricted free agent next July.
Wheeler has recorded 222 goals and 383 assists in 778 career games.