"I'm incredibly grateful for everything in Winnipeg," Wheeler said Monday. "To play 12 years in the same place, is not something a lot of people get the opportunity to do. I have nothing but gratitude for that city and the organization and the fanbase. My relationship with [Jets executive chairman] Mark Chipman and [general manager] Kevin Cheveldayoff and now Rick Bowness, the head coach, I'm really proud to leave on great terms with the organization. That's not always the case when guys leave, especially after being in a place for a long time. The communication has been great, especially the last few weeks, knowing what to expect. Things were amicable. That was a great way to move on, being on good terms with a team that means so much to me."