SHOULDER SURGERY
Austin Wagner out for months
Austin Wagner has no choice but to shoulder a lighter load this summer.
The Regina Pats’ forward is restricted to lower-body workouts after undergoing major surgery on June 7 to repair a torn labrum and dislocated bicep tendon.
“I’m doing well but no upperbody (work),” Wagner said from his home in Calgary. “I’m just sticking with it and staying calm and understanding that these things take time. It’s not easy but I have a lot of support around me.”
Wagner’s shoulder injury was more serious than the one suffered by Pats teammate Nick Henry, who underwent surgery in late June to repair a torn labrum. His recovery time is expected to be 4-5 months.
Wagner could require closer to six months, thus delaying his anticipated move to the pro ranks.
“I haven’t thought about that yet,” said the Los Angeles Kings’ prospect, a fourth-round pick in the 2015 NHL draft. “I don’t know when I’m expected to be back. It’s up to my doctors to decide. I’m just doing what I can to get healthy.”
Wagner was hurt during Game 3 of the WHL’s Eastern Conference final against the Lethbridge Hurricanes. He missed the next contest but was able to play through it the rest of the way, helping Regina reach the WHL final before losing in six games to the Seattle Thunderbirds. “It’s not that hard once you realize what you’re trying to do; we were trying to win (a championship),” he said. “You kind of just do it and don’t think about it much.”
Wagner had an MRI shortly after the Pats’ season ended. When the damage was revealed, he discussed the best course of action with the Kings.
“I needed surgery anyway so we had to move forward as soon as possible and get it done,” he said. “With L.A. and what’s going on in the career that I have ahead of me, there wasn’t much of a decision.”
Due to the surgery, Wagner was unable to participate in L.A.’s summer development camp at the end of June. In a way, it was like a test run for his pending absence from training camp in the fall.
“It’s going to take time,” Wagner said of his rehab. “I can’t get too antsy. I’m going to miss some things but it’s not the end of the world.”
Although Wagner is eligible to return to Regina for his 20-yearold season, he signed an NHL contract last spring and is projected to make the jump to the Kings’ AHL affiliate this fall.
Pats head coach/GM John Paddock said he doesn’t know if Wagner’s injury will alter the Kings’ plan, but it’s a question he’ll ask when the appropriate time comes.
Wagner’s return would be a huge boost to the WHL club — even if he’s not back until the second half. As the host team for the 2018 Memorial Cup, the Pats could be an appealing option if L.A.’s brass is willing to consider sending him back for an abbreviated final junior season.
“Obviously I’m going to do what I’m told,” said Wagner. “I’m sure whatever decision they make will be the best one for me. (But) we haven’t really talked about any of that stuff. I don’t really expect to yet because it’s still July. I just expect them to be there for support. They want me to get better as soon as possible.”