Wheeler named Jets captain

Blake Wheeler is the new captain of the Winnipeg Jets, the team announced Wednesday.

Wheeler assumes the captaincy from Andrew Ladd, who was dealt to the Chicago Blackhawks at last year's trade deadline.

The 30-year-old winger, signed through the next three seasons, led the Jets in scoring last year with 78 points in 82 games.

The team also named Dustin Byfuglien and Mark Scheifele as alternate captains.

"For me, this is obviously a huge honor," Wheeler said. "I really look forward to being the leader of this team. It's not just going to be us three, we have a great group of men in our room."

Wheeler becomes the second team captain since the franchise's relocation from Atlanta in 2011.