Despite a disappointing playoff exit, a coaching departure, and some key names hitting free agency, there are still things for the Dallas Stars to look forward to. One of those things is Wyatt Johnston, the team’s 2021 first-round pick and superstar for the Windsor Spitfires. Today, Johnston was named the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player, taking home the Red Tilson Trophy, after leading the league in scoring.
Johnston, 19, was the 23rd overall pick in 2021, and like so many other prospects had missed the entire 2020-21 season because of the OHL shutdown. His training in the year off must have been spectacular, as he went from scoring 30 points in 53 games during his rookie season to 124 points in 68 games this year. It did not stop at the end of the regular season either; Johnston leads the OHL in playoff scoring with 37 points in 21 games and has his Spitfires up 2-1 in the league final.
Incredibly, that breakout season did not include an invitation to Team Canada’s World Junior team, something that will likely be rectified if given the chance when the event is rescheduled this summer. Of course, Johnston may also have bigger plans on his mind when August rolls around.
Like many other star draft picks, there will be a big decision for the Stars when next season starts. Johnston cannot be loaned to the AHL on a full-time basis because of his age (he only turned 19 a few weeks ago), meaning it’s either the NHL or the OHL in 2022-23. With his Windsor head coach Marc Savard getting linked to Dallas’ coaching search, perhaps the former is a real possibility for the young forward.
It is hard to fathom what he could do if he returned for another year, seeing as the OHL already could not contain him this season. Already signed to his entry-level contract, he’ll be able to play in nine games before burning the first year of the deal.
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