 Early in the 2007–08 season, following injuries to Ryan Stoa and Mike Howe, Wheeler was named an alternate captain for the Golden Gophers and recorded 35 points in 44 games.At the end of the season, four years after he was drafted, Wheeler had yet to come to a contract agreement with the Coyotes.Given the option, Wheeler elected to become an unrestricted free agent despite a maximum entry-level contract offer from the club.