Wyatt Johnston signed a five-year deal with the Dallas Stars last Saturday for $42 million.
The 21-year-old forward has 60 points (24 goals, 36 assists) in 63 games this season, his third since being drafted 23rd overall by the Stars in 2021.
“It’s exciting to see the guys that are already here and the guys that are signed long-term here,” Johnston said after scoring in a 5-4 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. “It’s a really exciting group that I’m so happy and thankful to be a part of. It’s super exciting, just to see where things are at with the Stars. I love being here and it’s awesome.”
Last season, he recorded an NHL career-high 65 points (32 goals, 33 assists) in 82 games. Since Jan. 1, he ranks sixth in the NHL with 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists).
After scoring in Saturday’s 5-4 loss to the Oilers, he extended his point streak to nine games (nine goals, six assists). His 166 career points (80 goals, 86 assists) in 227 games are the most among players from the 2021 draft, and he has 22 points (14 goals, eight assists) in 22 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
“He’s a great young player in this League,” Dallas coach Pete DeBoer said. “What people don’t see behind the scenes is that he’s just a character kid. He’s a great pro, does it right every day, learned from the best in Joe Pavelski and he’s going to be a big-time player and leadership guy for this organization for a long time.”
