Penguins/NHL
In what was strictly just a swap of minor league players, the Pittsburgh Penguins today acquired defenseman Steve Wagner from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Pittsburgh native Nate Guenin.
The trade is the second year in a row that the two teams have made a minor league type of deal prior to the deadline.
Wagner, 25, will report to Wilkes Barre/Scranton on Friday. Wagner has played extensively in Peoria of the AHL – St. Louis’ top minor-league affiliate. In 130 games with the Rivermen, the Grand Rapids, Minnesota native has compiled 15 goals, 37 assists and 52 points.
Wagner’s current deal is a two-way contract for $575,000 in the NHL and $75,000 in the AHL. Wagner has NHL ready offensive skills but in his short time in the St. Louis Blues organization, he has been overmatched defensively at the NHL level.
Wagner broke into the league in 2007-2008 but after suffering a broken leg in 2008 while playing for Peoria, Wagner has regressed and did not appear in any NHL games for St. Louis this season.
In 2008-2009, Wagner appeared in 22 games for St. Louis and had two goals and two assists.
Wagner has spent the last three-plus seasons in the St. Louis organization after signing as a free agent in 2007. Overall, he has appeared in 46 career NHL games for the Blues, posting four goals and 12 points.
Wagner (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) played three collegiate seasons at Minnesota State – Mankato from 2004-07. In 113 contests as a Maverick, he posted 12 goals and 55 points.
Wagner also played with Tri-City of the United States Hockey League for two seasons. He helped the Storm capture the Anderson Cup (league regular-season championship) and finish second in the Clark Cup (postseason championship) in 2004.
