The 32-year-old is on pace for an even 100 points this season, meaning he’ll set another personal best after establishing a new benchmark last year with 91. Wheeler’s four most productive seasons have come at age 32, 31, 29 and 30, a period that — not coincidentally — dovetails with the rise of his centre and running mate,Wheeler’s cap hit will jump from $5.6 million to $8.25 million next fall, and that number will be beside his name for five seasons.
Another relevant Thornton precedent: From age 30 to 37, Thornton never played fewer than 78 games in a season. Wheeler has never suited up for fewer than 79 during his NHL tenure. Of course, there’s one major aspect to Wheeler’s career Jets fans hope will be different than what’s gone on in Cup-less San Jose. Who knows, maybe the best is yet to come in that regard, too.