The Ducks (31-21-12), who host the Blue Jackets on Friday (10 p.m. ET; SN360; FS-W, FS-O, NHL.TV), are one point behind the San Jose Sharks for second place in the Pacific Division.
Anaheim signed forward Chris Kelly to a one-year contract Monday. Kelly, 37, was captain for Canada's bronze medal-winning team at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. He has 289 points (123 goals, 166 assists) in 833 games with the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins.
"There's energy and leadership there," Ducks general manager Bob Murray said. "Chris has been lots of places and he's been captain. Jason, we've known him for a long time, and he definitely brings energy and emotion. We could use some positive energy and emotion right now in the group.
"We've had numerous people who have struggled at different times this year. I think the guys can help us get our act together."
Wagner, 26, has 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 64 games this season. His 212 hits are second in the NHL behind Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Robert Hagg (220).
Selected by Anaheim in the fifth round (No. 122) in the 2010 NHL Draft, Wagner has 28 points (16 goals, 12 assists) in 159 NHL games. He is in the final season of a two-year contract and can become an unrestricted free agent July 1.
The Islanders (29-27-7), who play at the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET; SN, RDS, MSG+, NHL.TV), are two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Eastern Conference.
NHL.com staff writer Lisa Dillman contributed to this report