Wyatt Johnston: The Rising Star

Wyatt Johnston has seven goals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There’s only one other skater on the Dallas Stars with four. Johnston found the back of the net twice in Game 4 of the Second Round and is emerging as one of those elite young skaters in the NHL.

He just turned 21 and for many hockey fans, this is the first they are hearing of him. But make no mistake, Johnston is one of the best scorers in the league, netting 32 goals this season and 56 in only two seasons in the NHL. So, let’s look at what makes him a dynamic scorer.

Johnston’s Stats &“It” Factor

It’s one thing to look at his seven goals in the playoffs and team-leading 32 during the season and be impressed. It’s another to look at how he’s scoring and the ways he can beat a defense. 

Johnston knows where his bread is buttered. Meaning, that he often waits around the goal and waits for the puck to find him. 12 of his 32 goals this season came from the “high-danger” area or the area right in front of the net.

However, he’s more than just a finisher. Johnston can find the back of the net with his shooting and ability to find open ice in the offensive zone. Likewise, he’ll use his speed when needed to create scoring opportunities and gash a team on the rush. Johnston is a well-rounded scorer and it’s something the Stars are going to take advantage of.

Johnston’s Ceiling with the Stars

Every generation, there is an Alexander Ovechkin or an Auston Matthews. Essentially, a skater who is elite largely because of their scoring instincts. Johnston is the next in line. He has a nose for the goal.

The Stars have a 3-1 series lead over the Colorado Avalanche and look poised to advance out of the Western Conference, They are a complete team and have no weaknesses. They also have star-caliber players and none better than their 21-year-old forward Johnston who might end up winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs MVP.