Projo Bruins Blog

June 15, 2008 - June 21, 2008 Archives

By MARK DIVVER
Journal Assistant Sports Editor

Former University of Minnesota right wing Blake Wheeler has agreed to a free-agent contract with the Boston Bruins, according to the U.S. Hockey Report (USHR.com).

Wheeler, 21, a 6’4’’, 220-pounder, was the fifth pick in the 2004 NHL draft by the Phoenix Coyotes. After completing his junior season at Minnesota, Wheeler rejected Phoenix’s contract offer and opted to take advantage of a clause in the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement that allowed him to become a free agent.

Wheeler’s deal with Boston, which cannot be signed until July 1, reportedly is for two years at $875,000 per season, not including bonuses. Wheeler could have gotten up to $225,000 more from Phoenix, but wanted the option of choosing where he plays. "Twenty-five teams called,” Wheeler’s agent, Matt Keator, told USHR.com. “Blake narrowed the list down to playoff contenders in traditional hockey markets. In the end, his heart was in Boston.”

Wheeler scored a team-leading 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points last season for Minnesota. Fans of the Golden Gophers are still talking about the spectacular overtime goal he scored to beat North Dakota in the 2007 WCHA championship game.