Wheatcroft’s season never got off the ground. A wrist injury sustained before camp kept him out until a November activation, he made his season debut against Coachella Valley, and he finished with eight AHL games and no points. On June 29 Dallas declined to issue him a qualifying offer, ending his run in the organization, and he became an unrestricted free agent on July 1. It is a hard exit for a player whose story started so well, the undrafted 107-point WHL scorer who earned an entry-level deal in 2023, and whose 27-point AHL season in 2024-25 suggested a legitimate depth-scoring trajectory. Injuries have now defined two of his three professional seasons, including the lower-body fracture that delayed his first pro year. At 24, the skill that made him a free-agent coup is still in there, a heavy shot and soft hands around the net, but he needs a full healthy season to show it, and he will have to do it on a tryout or minor-league deal somewhere else. Drop from all fantasy consideration until he resurfaces with a new club.

Wheatcroft, in the second year of his entry-level contract, cemented himself as a middle-six forward for the Texas Stars in the AHL during the 2024-25 season. He finished the season with 27 points (10 goals and 17 assists) in 67 regular-season games. A little bit of a defensive liability, if he can round out his game on both ends of the ice, he will be able to make a good case for himself next season at training camp.

Wheatcroft had a very good training camp and pre-season. He was able to showcase his speed and skills at a higher level. He created plays, as well as making sure he was making himself available for the puck in the right places to create scoring chances. Additionally, he was able to show that he could play against a higher-caliber opponent. He made it to the last couple rounds of cuts before he was injured in a game. He suffered a fracture in his foot. Once Wheatcroft fully heals, he will report to the Dallas Stars’ AHL team.

Wheatcroft attended his first development camp with the Dallas Stars organization. He excelled in the skating and shooting drills. He looked very comfortable doing wall battles and odd-man rush scenarios. Wheatcroft was among the few who scored in the shootout drill on an veteran AHL goalie.

Wheatcroft was the second-highest scorer in the WHL behind only Connor Bedard. Though he is an over-ager, his talent should not be dismissed. He scored the OT winner to send his team to the second round of playoffs. His ceiling is very high, and it is a mystery as to why Wheatcroft went undrafted. Should Prince George lose out in the playoffs soon, the Texas Stars will likely extend him an amateur tryout.