Austin Wagner
Current Team: Regina Pats, WHL
Date of Birth: June 23, 1997
Place of Birth: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 181 lbs
Shoots: Left
Austin Wagner is yet another bright young prospect to emerge from the WHL. At the extreme younger side of the draft pool, he has decent size, and has shown that he can pose a consistent threat in the offensive end of the ice. His 20-goal, 19 assist season in Regina was a huge leap from his first year in the WHL. He is among the fastest skaters in the draft pool, but as a youngster, still needs time to round out his game in all areas. Make no mistake, however, this is not a pure skill player. He racked up 53 penalty minutes in 61 games, and he is not averse to throwing down the gloves. There’s lots of potential here.
He is ranked #35 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, and is #43 overall in the ISS Rankings. Here’s how NHL Central Scouting characterizes him:
He’s a beautiful skater; some say the fastest in the Draft. He’s so tough to play against when his team is shorthanded. — Dan Marr, Director, NHL Central Scouting
A Good Fit in Columbus?
Wagner falls in that part of the draft where there are tons of speedy forwards with solid potential. It’s that “potential” word that always trips folks up, however, as a lot of times that potential is never realized.
Columbus has a surplus of promising young forwards, and a a bunch of picks in the area where Wagner is likely to fall. A lot will depend upon what moves Jarmo Kekälälainen comes up with as the club moves into the draft. If a forward or two are moved for defensive help, then Wagner might be on the board. However, if Columbus holds on to the #34 and #38 picks, I think they’ll find more developed talent to bring into the fold.
Wagner Up Close
Not much action footage available on Wagner, short of a few fights where he didn’t fare too well. Here he discusses his Central Scouting ranking and his approach to the game during his draft year.