Chris Wagner is a professional’s professional.
The veteran winger from Walpole spent virtually all of final 12 months in Providence and is going through an uphill battle to earn a roster spot in a crowded fourth line subject.
But in final Saturday’s preseason opener, he turned in a typical Chis Wagner efficiency, delivering a game-high eight hits and bringing his typical quantity of sandpaper. He was proud of that outing, however was not about to get giddy over it.
“I thought the whole game in Philly was kind of sloppy, but I thought I played my role as well as I could,” mentioned Wagner on Wednesday. “I tried to create more offense but obviously – physically, energy, winning faceoffs and PK and all that — I thought I was decent at. But it was one game and obviously the first game of preseason, so it’s tough to really grade yourself on that.”
It seems Wagner’s chief competitors is with Oskar Steen for the fourth line proper wing spot. Marc McLaughlin can be within the combine and has performed effectively. But the group nonetheless has the choice of sending him to Providence with out exposing him to waivers, which might make him extra more likely to go down. Wagner additionally matches the mildew of a participant who might be helpful as an additional ahead who could not play each evening, versus a youthful participant who continues to be growing, not less than in principle.
He additionally has an admirer in new coach Jim Montgomery, which doesn’t damage.
“I’ve always noticed Wags, even when he was in Anaheim, and then obviously the success he had here in Boston. His details are high end. He’s someone as a coach you trust because he executes really well, especially in that fourth line role,” mentioned Montgomery.
And as of now, it seems like Wagner, within the ultimate 12 months of a contract that may play him $1.35 million, will get a good shot from Montgomery to stay in Boston.
“He reached out in the summer. He said everyone has a clean slate, which I thought was awesome,” mentioned Wagner. “He said he respects my path to the league and what I’ve done to stay here and how I play the game, so we’ll see what happens. But he’s been very positive with me so far.”
At the tip of coaching camp final season, Wagner – a key fourth line participant within the group’s run to the Stanley Cup ultimate – was despatched to Providence. It was a tricky blow for a participant who didn’t take the straightforward path to the NHL. But he went down and performed the mentor position to younger gamers as greatest as he may. And when he was referred to as up for the ultimate common season sport which meant nothing within the standings, Wagner was not about to let that likelihood go by with out giving it his all. He chalked up 11 hits in 15:57 of icetime and, the following factor he knew, he was taking part in playoff video games for the Bruins in opposition to Carolina.
“It’s more of a ‘what do I have to lose kind of thing’,” mentioned Wagner. “Like I’ve said before, I’m proud of myself that I was able to come back and play in the playoffs and play decent, too. I still think I can play in this league but time will tell.”
He mentioned he labored arduous within the offseason on his foot velocity and he wished to check effectively in the beginning of camp, which he did. He’ll let his performances converse for themselves.
When Wagner was requested if he may deal with getting despatched again to Providence, he answered in a vogue you’d anticipate from him.
“Would I be able to handle? As opposed to what?” he mentioned with a wry grin. “That’s my job, so I’ll show up.”
Big weapons will play on Saturday
Montgomery mentioned that each the David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron traces will play in Saturday’s 1 p.m. matinee on the Garden in opposition to the Flyers. Krejci, again after a 12 months in Czechia, has six practices underneath his belt and mentioned he’s nonetheless kicking off the rust.
“The legs feel good but, to be honest, I’m still working on getting my hands back and get those passes and see the ice a little bit better,” mentioned Krejci. “It’s different in scrimmages or skating in the summer for a couple of months. Once you come here, it’s faster. That’s something I’ve been working on and trying to read the pays a little bit better. But that’s what training camp’s all about and hopefully I get a couple of (preseason) games before the first real game.”
Krejci’s self-assessment however, Montgomery has preferred what he’s seen from No. 46.
“I thought he’s been good,” mentioned Montgomery. “His ability to make plays, how smart he is…maybe he’s not making the plays to his level. That’s good news to me to hear.. But positionally, defensively, he’s been sound as well. That’s very comforting as a coach.”
No deal but for Stralman
Anton Stralman, right here on a tryout, has seemed fairly easy taking part in along with his countryman Hampus Lindholm. But if both facet is inching towards a extra concrete dedication, they weren’t exhibiting it. Stralman mentioned no parameters are set for a deal if either side do see a match and Montgomery mentioned that, although Stralman has been skating with the B’s present No. 1 defenseman, he plans to combine up his pairs after Thursday’s off day.
Stralman additionally mentioned that if his profession ended now, he’d be at peace with it.
“I’ve played 15 years. If this is the last couple of weeks of it, so be it. If not, great. I’m fortunate to have been playing this long,” he mentioned. “And this would be a great bonus, don’t get me wrong. But at the end of the day, it’s hockey and I have other stuff in my life that I enjoy, too, with my family and four kids. It is what it is and whatever comes out of it, I’ll live with it.”
Stralman’s household continues to be in Arizona the place the kids are at school and no resolution has been made in the event that they’d come east ought to he signal….
A.J. Greer’s two-goal, seven-hit efficiency earned him a promotion, not less than for a day. On Wednesday he was skating with Charlie Coyle and Craig Smith whereas Trent Frederic dropped all the way down to skate with Jack Studnicka and Marc McLaughlin.
“We thought he earned it and we wanted to see what that would look like,” mentioned Montgomery.
Source: www.bostonherald.com