Friedman Report: Blake Wheeler’s agent (Matt Keator) indicates the winger prefers the Eastern conference

It was just this morning that the news broke that the Winnipeg Jets would be placing Blake Wheeler on unconditional waivers for purpose of contract buyout which means he will be an unrestricted free agent on Saturday morning at 11 AM free to sign with any team he’d like.

Some rumblings were suggesting the veteran winger was a fit in Dallas.

However Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet had this to say:

“Blake Wheeler’s agent — Matt Keator — indicates the winger prefers the Eastern conference: less travel and a new experience. We will see what evolves.”

Might we see a reunion with his former bench boss Paul Maurice in Florida with the Panthers? He does have a home in the Sunshine State.

Update:

Darren Dreger of TSN chimed in with these teams:

“Given the fact we know Blake Wheeler wants to play in the east next season, a return to Boston could be a fit. Florida has interest as well, but more focused on their blueline. Wheeler has options following a buyout by Winnipeg.”