The news is as bad as was anticipated from the moment Blake Wheeler was helped off the ice by his teammates after suffering a right leg injury at the 11:00 mark of the first period of the Rangers’ 7-4 victory over the Canadiens at the Garden on Thursday.
For the 37-year-old winger has been placed on Long Term Injury and will miss the remainder of the regular season, industry sources have told The Post.
The 16-year NHL veteran may attempt to return for the playoffs depending on the progress on his rehab and the depth of the Blueshirts’ run.
Wheeler joined the Rangers on a one-year, $800,000 free agent deal after turning down more lucrative offers following his buyout by Winnipeg.
The Minnesota native chose New York to chase the Cup.
Now, it appears the dream is over after 54 games in which Wheeler recorded nine goals and 12 assists for 21 points.