The Blackhawks have added another AHL/NHL forward at the deadline, acquiring Austin Wagner from the Los Angeles Kings for our favorite asset: future considerations. According to general manager Kyle Davidson’s post-deadline press conference, Wagner will join the Blackhawks for the rest of the regular season.
Wagner, 25, is in the final season of a three-year deal that carries a $1,133,333 cap hit. He was originally a fourth-round pick by the Kings in 2015 (No. 99 overall) and has appeared in 171 career NHL games with LA. He had nine goals in 24 games for Ontario (AHL) this season.
Wagner is listed at 6-0 and 195 pounds, which follows a trend with forwards the Blackhawks have acquired this season. That’s three fringe NHL players in the same 24-26 age ranges with comparable size. We’re looking for the next Sam Lafferty, folks. And we’re doing it in bulk.
(Note: unlike Anderson and Bjork, Wagner did not play college hockey. He spent four seasons with the Regina Pats in the WHL… the team that currently has Connor Bedard… wink!)