In the sixth round of the 2022 draft the Jets selected centre Fabian Wagner 175th overall. He has spent the past two seasons since he was drafted playing at various levels in his native Sweden. This season he spent the most time in the top league (Swedish Hockey League) with Linkopings HC playing in 41 games while finishing with one goal and five assists.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
In the media availability held with Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff he was asked where the 20-year old Wagner might be playing next season, either back home in Sweden or coming over to North America:
“We’re going to talk about that still. Again we’ll see what’s best. I think that’ll be a topic of discussion as we continue to evaluate what’s going to be best for his development. At this point in time we’re still probably undecided as to what’s going to be best from his camp and our camp.”
Given how many young centres (Lambert, Lucius & Zhilkin) are already on the Moose it seems unlikely he would be added to that mix. So it seems likely he’ll stay in Sweden and continue his development over there.
Of course the NHL-SHL agreement is a factor for players who are not 1st round draft picks but there are always ways to work around it.
