Analyst says explains why Wyatt Johnston underperformed in the playoffs last season

Wyatt Johnston drew heavy playoff attention, and Sam Nestler questions how pressure shaped his postseason with the Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars know that Wyatt Johnston has quickly become a key piece, but one recent discussion raised a question about what comes with that spotlight.

On the latest episode of the DLLS Stars Podcast, analyst Sam Nestler explained how Johnston became a primary focus for opponents during the 2025 postseason and how it may have affected his performances.

Nestler highlighted that even as one of the team's younger stars, Johnston was already being targeted in opposition game plans, a sign of how much respect he has earned.

"Wyatt last year in the post-season, he is still on the board and he is still part of the pre-game prep and everything and he started to become the focus of the other team. He's earned the respect and the teams are like, 'okay we've got to shut him down.'"

Wyatt Johnston's growing importance and the pressure he faced in the Dallas Stars' playoff run

Johnston's rise into a primary matchup target reflects how much trust the Stars place in him.

The 21-year-old not only delivered 65 points in the regular season but also became a key factor in Dallas' playoff run, logging over 18 minutes a night and earning top-line responsibilities.

That kind of workload is usually reserved for established veterans, not someone only in his third NHL season.

Sam Nestler raised a key question on the DLLS Stars Podcast:

"I would be fascinated to hear Wyatt's thought and how much did the pressure and the expectations affected him?"

While Johnston has embraced big moments, it is natural to wonder how the constant defensive attention impacts his decision-making and confidence in high-stakes games.

According to NHL.com's playoff stats, Johnston ranked among Dallas' top scorers despite drawing top defenders in every series.

Meanwhile, D Magazine has highlighted how his hockey IQ and calm under pressure are setting him apart from other young forwards.

I think this discussion shows how quickly Johnston went from prospect to focal point, and the challenge now is handling that added scrutiny.

Fans will be watching to see if Johnston uses the experience to elevate his game when the pressure returns next spring.