Winnipeg Jets name forward Blake Wheeler as team captain

Aug 31, 2016 | 11:00 AM

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets have named forward Blake Wheeler as their new captain.

Wheeler fills the void left by former captain Andrew Ladd, who was dealt to Chicago in February.

The six-foot-five, 225-pound native of Plymouth, Minn., has been with the Jets since the team relocated from Atlanta before the 2011-12 season.

He had his best offensive season in 2015-16, scoring 26 goals and adding 52 assists in 78 games.