Chris Wagner

Chris Wagner Bio

Chris Wagner is an American professional ice hockey forward for the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League (AHL). He was born on May 27, 1991, in Needham, Massachusetts. Chris has played at various levels, having been drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Over his career, Wagner has played for several teams in the NHL and AHL, establishing himself as a strong presence on the ice.

Early Life and Background

Chris Wagner grew up in Needham, Massachusetts, where he was introduced to hockey at a young age. He played youth hockey with the South Shore Kings and participated in the 2004 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. Wagner attended Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Massachusetts, where he continued to develop his skills on the ice. His early exposure to competitive hockey laid the foundation for his future career.

Path to Hockey

Wagner played junior hockey in the Eastern Junior Hockey League with the South Shore Kings. In his second season with the Kings during the 2009-10 season, he matched an EJHL single-season scoring record with 83 points in just 44 games. His impressive performance helped lead the team to the Southern Division Championship. Following this success, he committed to play collegiate hockey with the Colgate Raiders in the ECAC conference. During his freshman season with the Raiders in 2010-11, Wagner led all rookies in team scoring with nine goals and 28 points in 41 games. His continued success in college hockey caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Chris Wagner Career

Early Career (2012-2014)

Chris Wagner made his professional debut with the Norfolk Admirals, the AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, at the start of the 2012-13 season. He played in 70 games during his rookie season, scoring 8 goals and recording 21 points. In his second season, he continued to develop his skills and was recognized for his contributions by being selected to the AHL All-Star Game. Wagner’s performance earned him a call-up to the NHL, where he made his debut on October 17, 2014, against the Minnesota Wild.

Breakthrough (2015-2023)

Wagner’s breakthrough came during the 2015-16 season when he made his first NHL opening night roster with the Anaheim Ducks. He played in several games that season, showcasing his physical style of play. On November 15, 2015, Wagner was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Avalanche, where he scored his first NHL goal on November 25, 2015. After a brief stint with the New York Islanders in 2018, he signed a two-year contract with the Boston Bruins, his hometown team. During the 2018-19 season, Wagner established career highs with 12 goals and 19 points in 76 games. He contributed to the Bruins’ playoff run, although an injury prevented him from participating in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Notable Works and Milestones

Throughout his career, Chris Wagner has been known for his strong two-way play and physical presence on the ice. He has played for several notable teams, including the Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders, and Boston Bruins. His career achievements include a successful collegiate career at Colgate University and significant contributions to the teams he has played for in the NHL and AHL.