I also have to say, I love seeing Wheeler with less stress/tension. Even when we were winning in the past few years, there was an edge of stress that wouldn't go away. When he had the C, he was forced into a more political position that was outside his wheelhouse, though I believe he gave it his all and learned through it, it wasn't the right fit from day 1.
In my opinion, removing the C wasn't a punishment at all, it was a recognition that it wasn't helping him or the team. If we ever get a new C, it will need to be someone who's comfortable with diplomacy - because that's the hardest part in this current hockey culture. Though I personally think that having a bunch of A's is far better from a philosophical and functional standpoint...