Blake Wheeler ‘felt a little bit lost’ adjusting to life with Rangers

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Walking into the visiting locker room of Canadian Life Center on Monday was certainly strange for Blake Wheeler, but skating out onto the ice of the arena he called home for 12 seasons felt good.

Wheeler admitted he expects to be a little uncomfortable being the center of attention, but the former Jets captain probably preferred to get it out of the way early.

Not too early, though, as Wheeler has finally started to settle into his new team after a flat start to the season.

“Honestly, the first six games I was not myself,” said Wheeler, who was put back on the Rangers second power-play unit ahead of his return to Winnipeg. “I think just all the newness and acclimating to new circumstances and just kind of hitting the ground running, felt a little bit lost out there. But I think the last week started to feel really good again, and feeling like myself again. Honestly, for me, I love being out there and feeling like I can play and contribute.

“We’ve got a heck of a hockey team, so it’s just about trying to bring value when we’re on the ice, making a contribution any way you can. You know how it is, once you get going and things start going the right way, I’m sure we’ll get some offensive chances and create some looks.

“But just enjoying this experience tonight and being back in a familiar place and playing in front of a bunch of people I care a lot about.”