Wheeler is calling it a career after 16 seasons, telling Dan Leffelaar on the Beyond High Performance podcast, "It's just the emotional, get up 82 times -- I don't want to do that. There's only so much gas in the tank for that," per Paul Friesen of Winnipeg Sun on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Over Wheeler's 16-year career, he spent the bulk of that time (13 seasons) with the Jets organization, racking up 262 goals and 550 assists in 897 regular-season contests. Despite finishing his career with 943 points, plus another 45 postseason points, the Minnesota native received minimal personal or team accolades, finishing with just one All-Star selection.

Wheeler (undisclosed) is not at Saturday's morning skate ahead of Game 6 against Florida, Vince Z. Mercogliano of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to a source, Wheeler is banged up, leaving his status unclear for Saturday's must-win contest. He has suited up in only one game since Feb. 15 because of a leg injury. Wheeler logged just 9:18 of ice time in Game 4 versus the Panthers on Tuesday before sitting out Thursday's Game 5. Anton Blidh has been filling in for Wheeler during Saturday's practice, but the 29-year-old Blidh probably won't be in the lineup even if Wheeler is unavailable.

Wheeler was back in action for Game 4 against the Panthers on Tuesday, recording four hits, two blocks and two PIM in 9:18 of ice time.

EDGE Analysis

Wheeler was in the lineup for the first time since Feb. 15 versus Montreal, a stretch of 41 games on the shelf due to his leg injury. Even with the veteran cleared to play, he may still have to serve as a healthy scratch periodically as he eases his way back to 100 percent, perhaps including Game 5 against Florida on Thursday.

Wheeler (leg) was activated from long-term injured reserve Thursday, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's not a clear-cut guarantee Wheeler will be in the lineup for Thursday's Game 6, but the 37-year-old is now eligible to return from a three-month absence. Wheeler was cleared for contact Monday, and it appears he's gotten in enough practice time to be an option for the Rangers as they look to close out the Hurricanes in the second round.

Wheeler (leg) has shed his non-contract jersey ahead of Game 5 against the Hurricanes on Monday, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wheeler is practicing without the non-contact jersey for the first time, so it seems unlikely he will be available to play against Carolina on Monday immediately. Still, it's a positive sign for the veteran winger, who has been out of action since Feb. 15 versus the Canadiens. When Wheeler gets the all-clear, he figures to slot into a bottom-six role and could bump Jonny Brodsinski from the lineup.

Wheeler (lower body) will miss the remainder of the regular season, resulting in him being designated for long-term injured reserve, Peter Baugh of The Athletic reports Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Wheeler's injury certainly didn't look good after he was unable to put any weight on it following a collision in Thursday's matchup with the Canadiens, so this news shouldn't come as a surprise. The 37-year-old winger's cap hit is a steal for the Rangers ($800,000), so his placement on LTIR won't give the club significant help from a salary standpoint before the March 8 trade deadline. For his part, Wheeler will end the regular season having garnered nine goals and 12 helpers in 54 contests while producing just one power-play point.

Wheeler sustained a lower-body injury during Thursday's game against Montreal and won't return to the contest.

EDGE Analysis

Wheeler entered Thursday's action with nine goals and 21 points in 53 appearances this season. If he misses Sunday's match versus the Islanders, then Alex Belzile might make his season debut.

Wheeler scored a goal and added an assist in Friday's 5-2 loss to Vegas.

EDGE Analysis

The 37-year-old produced his second multi-point performance in the last six games. Still, Wheeler has been held off the scoresheet in 11 of his past 13 outings. His first season as a Ranger has been largely disappointing, with only eight goals and 19 points through 48 contests.

Wheeler scored two goals, one the game-winner, in Tuesday's 5-2 victory over the Kraken.

EDGE Analysis

It's the second multi-goal performance of the season for Wheeler, with the other coming Dec. 12 against the Maple Leafs. The long-time Jet snapped a seven-game point drought with Tuesday's effort -- the 37-year-old hasn't made much of an impact in his first campaign with the Rangers, producing seven goals and 17 points in 43 contests.

Wheeler logged a pair of assists in Tuesday's 5-2 victory over the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

Wheeler set up Mika Zibanejad's opening marker in the second period before adding another assist on Braden Schneider's goal in the third. The 37-year-old Wheeler now has five points (two goals, three assists) in his last four contests after he was held scoreless over his previous eight games. Wheeler should continue to get an opportunity alongside Zibanejad and Chris Kreider on New York's top line while Kaapo Kakko (lower body) is sidelined. Overall, Wheeler is up to 11 points (four goals, seven assists) through 30 games this season.