Getting to Know Blake Wheeler

Get to know the New York Rangers newest veteran forward Blake Wheeler as he share a little bit more about himself through a list of rapid-fire list of questions. The 36-year-old right winger is embarking on a new chapter of his 15-year NHL career with previous stops in Boston and most recently, in Winnipeg where he was teammates with Rangers captain Jacob Trouba from 2013-19.

When you think of the Rangers, who is the first player that comes to mind?

Mark Messier.

What is the first thing that you want to do when you get to New York?

My kids really want to reenact the scene from home alone; go into the city, stay at the [Grand] Plaza. It's probably not the first thing but it's maybe the first thing that we talked about doing.

Favorite New York season?

It's got to be the fall. [Jacob Trouba] tells me the fall is awesome. He says the summer is a little hot, so I'm excited to see what the fall is like there.

Who have you learned the most from in your life?

Probably my parents. Athletically, probably my dad. He provided a lot of guidance growing up.

What is a song or artist that you always listen to?

I like hip-hop, so I listen to - more currently - stuff by Drake. Previously, probably Notorious B.I.G. he was my favorite.

What is something that you need to have in your fridge at any given time?

Dark chocolate almonds.

What do you like to do on an off day?

Hang out with my kids and my family.

Do you already have any favorite New York restaurants?

All of my favorites are pretty mainstream. I really want to find one that is more of a hidden gem.

What is your all-time favorite TV show?

Friends.

What do you like to do to relax?

Watch TV, hang out with my kids, sit on the couch.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A professional athlete.

What is your go-to pre-game hype song?

Anything by Meek Mill.

What is the first word that comes to mind when you hear MSG?

Awesome.

Do you have any MSG memories or moments that stick out?

I remember my first game at MSG, I was playing with the [Boston] Bruins at the time. We went and had a pretty big dinner the night before. I remember skating out there and feeling like I did not belong playing a pro sport that night. It was a place that I had a bad feeling at the beginning of my career just because my first experience wasn't so great.

Do you prefer aisle seat or window seat?

Aisle.

Favorite or go-to emoji?

Thumbs up.

What is the best advice that you've ever been given?

Be yourself.

What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving.

Do you have any hockey-related superstitions?

The only thing I do is I always put on my right pieces of equipment before my left.

Who is your favorite current-Ranger and is it Jacob Trouba?

Yeah, it's got to be Troubs.

If you could only one food for the rest of your life what would it be?

A Chipotle burrito.

Do you consider yourself a Swiftie?

No.

Who is your favorite follow on social media?

I deleted all of my social media a few years ago.

If you could choose one artist to see at MSG, who would it be?

Coldplay.

What was your favorite subject in school?

History.

If you could have dinner with one dream dinner guest, who would it be and why?

Abraham Lincoln. History is my favorite subject and it's my son's now too. We're just infatuated with U.S. history. I don't know why, but he's our guy. We just find him super interesting.

What's one thing not many people might not know about you?

I'm a high school state football champion as well as hockey champion. I was a tight-end, wide receiver in football.

We also have a 1960s Bronco that we drive around in the summer, that's pretty cool. It's coyote-grey colored.