Jets captain Blake Wheeler placed in protocol

The Winnipeg Jets have officially announced what fans and media analysts have been speculating all day, that captain Blake Wheeler has been placed in COVID-19 protocol.

Check it out:

Now, it's worth noting that this doesn't necessarily mean that Wheeler has tested positive for COVID-19. Under the NHL's COVID-19 policy this year, a player entering the protocol does not necessarily indicate they have tested positive for the virus. It could mean that they've come into contact with a known positive case. No further details about his situation were provided at this time, but it's expected that Wheeler will not dress for tomorrow's game against the Minnesota Wild.

The 35 year old forward has one assist through two games this season and is without a doubt the team's unquestioned leader. Frankly, I'm pulling for a follow-up negative test for Wheeler just because he's such a genuine, down to Earth kind of guy. 

Remember the story we heard in the offseason how Wheeler graciously bought groceries for a single mother who had forgotten her purse at home? If you're not familiar, take a look at this Twitter exchange below:

This poor woman was probably at her wit's end with a cart full of groceries and a young son, so what does Wheeler do? He pays her bill and doesn't say a word. If it weren't for this social media post nobody would even know that he'd done a good deed. And you know what? That's probably the way he prefers it.

You'll never see Wheeler in the tabloid section and you'll never see him on Twitter spouting his political opinions. He's just a regular dude who plays hockey and plays it the right way.

Again, Wheeler isn't a flashy guy looking for praise, he's just a regular dude out there doing the right thing. Here's hoping that if he does indeed have COVID-19, that he pulls through with no lasting symptoms and he can get back on the ice ASAP because this is a critically important season for both him and the entire Jets' organization.