Calgary's Austin Wagner brings blazing speed to the table
Austin Wagner’s allegiance is available to the highest bidder.
Despite a soft spot for his hometown Calgary Flames — and the rival Vancouver Canucks — Wagner won’t restrict his loyalties to a particular team for the 2015 NHL draft, which runs Friday and Saturday in Sunrise, Florida.
“I just want to be drafted,” said the Regina Pats’ right winger. “It would be cool ( to become a Flame), but at the same time it would be cool to go somewhere else where you get to know a new city. I’d be happy to be drafted to any team.”
One of the WHL’s fastest skaters, Wagner was also among the league’s fastest risers in the predraft rankings. His name didn’t appear on Central Scouting’s preliminary list of “players to watch” in September but, two months later, he debuted on the list with a ‘ C’ grade ( Rounds 4- 6).
That commenced a sudden climb to No. 43 at mid- season before ending up at No. 35 among North American skaters.
Based upon his final grade, Wagner is in line to be chosen as early as the second round. Incidentally, Calgary has three picks in that round ( Nos. 45, 52 and 53).
“You can’t really predict where you’re going to go,” noted Wagner, 18. “The rankings mean nothing in my mind. Scouts and teams have their own list of players. You could be anywhere from the top 20 or 30 to the last 20 or 30. You never know.”
Although the rankings bring no guarantees, they do indicate Wagner’s rapid progress. He wasn’t even on the NHL radar after playing a limited role for the Pats as a 16- year- old rookie in 2013- 14, recording just one goal and one assist in 42 games.
However, Wagner made an immediate impression last fall on new head coach John Paddock, who identified the Calgary product as one of the standouts in training camp. Wagner carried that moment into the 2014- 15 season, recording 20 goals and 39 points in 61 games while also carving out a niche on the penalty- killing unit.
Along the way, Wagner’s blazing speed earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous skaters on the ice.
“I learned a lot last year,” said the 6- foot- 2, 180- pounder. “You feel good because you realize you’re developing into a better player. The rankings reflect a lot of it. They give you some props for what you’ve done but you have to come in ( to the draft) with an open mindset. You’ve done your part and now there’s nothing more you can do. It’s a waiting game.”
Wagner plans to kill two birds with one stone this weekend, turning his trip to Sunrise into a family vacation. That said, his focus will be on the festivities inside BB& T Center, home of the NHL’s Florida Panthers.
“It’s going to be a fun time but it’s more of a business trip than anything,” said Wagner. “I’ve dreamt about it for a while but the dream hasn’t come true yet. It’ll come true after my name gets called.”