Islanders Prospect Spotlight | Kenzie Wagner
The Halifax McDonald’s U18 team, also known as the Halifax Macs, just won the NSU18 AAA championship; captained by Charlottetown Islanders prospect Kenzie Wager.
Wagner, measures in at 6 feet even, weighing 185 lbs. The Islanders selected him in the ninth round, 153rd overall this past draft. Now 17 years old, Wagner is no stranger to a leadership role. The Halifax, Nova Scotia native was also the captain of the Halifax Wolverines U15 team back in the 2021-22 season.
The sturdy blue liner is a self-described physical presence on the ice but believes his offensive abilities have grown over this past year.
“I think this year I’ve gained more patience with the puck which has helped me produce more offensive chances. My puck-handling skills have improved from practicing and my hockey sense and awareness during games has improved from rewatching my games,” said Wagner.
Wagner was productive from the back end for the Macs this season. He posted 16 points through 34 regular season contests, including five goals; then, he added two more tallies and five points in 12 playoff games en route to the team’s championship. After claiming the Nova Scotia U18 AAA title, Wagner believes his game is ready for the next level.
“I feel that I am ready to play at the QMJHL level. I think my strength and physicality will be tools that I can use very well at the next level, as well as playing hard and simple.”
Wagner has been using a player from his hometown team to try and model pieces of his game after.
“Dylan MacKinnon from the Halifax Mooseheads is a player I like to watch. He plays a strong and physical game and doesn’t make many mistakes while also playing responsibly defensively,” said Wagner.
MacKinnon was drafted fifth overall by the Mooseheads in 2021 and taken in the third round by the Nashville Predators in this past NHL Entry Draft. Across 177 QMJHL games, MacKinnon has posted 41 points and sports a +18 rating making him a strong role model for Wagner.
Islanders head scout Trevor Birt has liked what he has seen from Wagner, noting he has a certain maturity level that at his age, makes a team take notice.
“Kenzie is a heart and soul defenseman who plays a heavy game. He is at his best when keeping his game simple. He is a more defensive-style defenseman than he is offensive,” said Birt. “He was the captain of the Halifax Macs in only his second year, so this shows the type of character he has.”
When his name was called by the Islanders this past draft, Wagner notes it was a surreal moment for himself and his family.
“It was pretty special, especially going to a local and hard-working team like the Islanders and being met by my former coaches to receive my jersey,” said Wagner. “The team seems to value hard work and the players seem to be very genuine guys.”
Wagner has already established a connection with one Islanders defenceman, he and Owen Conrad were partners on the blue line during the 2023 Canada Games here on P.E.I.
“It was probably one of the best experiences of my life. I played a pretty hard and physical game and playing against teams like Ontario really tests you and makes you aware of how better players can potentially expose you,” said Wagner. “I played as a partner with Conrad during some of the games, we supported each other well when he would jump in the rush and I would stay back to cover. We also stayed in residence together where we became closer.”
Wagner noted that he strives to lead and lead by example, that mentality is what earned him the captaincy with the Macs. As head scout Trevor Birt noted, his traits make him a valuable prospect for the Islanders. Now, heading into his 17-year-old offseason, Wagner has a game plan in mind to get prepared to make his push for an Islanders roster spot next season.
“Work with my trainer to improve my foot speed, I want to be able to move faster on the ice. I’d also like to improve my shot power and blue line movement.”
Kenzie Wagner will be a name Islanders fans want to watch when training camp opens for the team in August. There is currently a plethora of qualified rookies and veterans who will be competing for one of six spots on next year’s blue line; the Islanders are surely in store for some healthy competition.