As distasteful as Stabler would undoubtedly find it, it’s possible that he’ll actually need Richard Wheatley’s help in Season 2.
Stabler needing help could result in visits to wherever Wheatley is being held, allowing Dylan McDermott to recur.
He could do so again if and when Stabler needs his help in Season 2.
Wheatley surely didn’t burn all of his criminal bridges after he was arrested and could have valuable intel for Stabler about organized crime in New York City.