Austin Wagner Bio
Austin Wagner is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger born on June 23, 1997, in Calgary, Alberta. He plays with the Shanghai Dragons in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and previously played with the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League (AHL). Drafted 99th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Wagner has had a dynamic career since starting in 2017, known for his speed and playmaking ability.
Early Life and Background
Austin Wagner was born in Calgary to parents Kevin and Linda. He has an older brother named Tyler. Wagner began playing hockey at the age of three, but he also played lacrosse with the Calgary Axemen of the Alberta Lacrosse Association before fully committing to hockey. His early exposure to the sport occurred through the Blackfoot Minor Hockey Association, where he honed his skills before moving on to the Calgary Northstars. During his time with the Calgary Northstars, Wagner played for the Bantam AA Blazers in the 2010–11 season. His exceptional playmaking ability earned him a promotion to Midget AAA, where he continued to develop his skills. He represented Team Calgary North at the 2012 Alberta Cup and Team Alberta at the 2012 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup, showcasing his talent at a young age.
Path to Hockey
Wagner’s journey in competitive hockey took a significant step when he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft by the Regina Pats at the age of 16. After attending the Pats training camp, he signed a contract with the team. He scored his first Western Hockey League (WHL) goal during a game against the Medicine Hat Tigers on December 15, 2013. Following his rookie season, Wagner experienced a coaching change with the Pats, which positively impacted his performance. His sophomore year became a breakout season, where he scored 39 points in 61 games. This performance led to his selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, where he was picked 99th overall by the Los Angeles Kings. Wagner attended the Kings training camp prior to the 2015 season but was returned to the Pats, where he continued to excel, setting new career highs with 62 points in 70 games.
Austin Wagner Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
On March 6, 2017, Austin Wagner signed an entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings. However, he faced a setback when he required shoulder surgery during the off-season prior to the 2017–18 season. After recovering, he was assigned to the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, where he scored his first professional goal on December 9, 2017. Wagner made the Kings’ opening night roster for the 2018–19 season and made his NHL debut on October 5, 2018. He scored his first career NHL goal on November 21, 2018, and finished his rookie season with 10 goals and seven assists in 50 games. His contributions earned him the Jim Fox Community Service Award at the end of the season.
Breakthrough (2021–2023)
In September 2020, Wagner signed a three-year contract extension with the Kings worth $3.4 million. He continued to play with the Ontario Reign during the 2022–23 season, where he recorded nine goals and 12 points in 24 games. On March 3, 2023, he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he registered a goal and an assist in seven regular-season games. After his stint with the Blackhawks, Wagner signed a professional tryout deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins on August 30, 2023. However, he later joined IK Oskarshamn in the Swedish Hockey League for the 2023–24 season. Following his contract in Sweden, he returned to North America and was named to the training camp roster of the Chicago Wolves in the AHL for the 2024–25 season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Austin Wagner’s career has been marked by significant milestones, including his NHL debut and his first career goal. He has been recognized for his community service efforts and has continued to develop as a player in both the NHL and AHL.
Austin Wagner Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Austin Wagner has received recognition for his contributions on and off the ice, including the Jim Fox Community Service Award.
Austin Wagner Awards Won
Austin Wagner has achieved notable recognition during his career, including the Jim Fox Community Service Award from the Los Angeles Kings.
Austin Wagner Family
Austin Wagner was born to Kevin and Linda Wagner. He has an older brother named Tyler.
Personal Life
In April 2020, Austin Wagner participated in an eSports gaming event alongside fellow players Adrian Kempe, Ben Hutton, and Blake Lizotte to raise money for charities affected by COVID-19.
