Stars trade down, select Wyatt Johnston No. 23 overall

Originally posted on Dallas Sports Fanatic
By Garrett Jones | Last updated 7/23/21

It could’ve been the Dallas Stars first chance at drafting in the lottery since 2018- but instead, general manager Jim Nill and co. pulled the trigger on a trade drop down the draft ladder Friday night.

Dallas traded its 15th overall pick to the Detroit Red Wings moment before it was slated to select Wyatt Johnston with the No. 23 overall pick.

Dallas received picks No. 48 and 138 in the draft in return.

Johnston, 18, scored 12 goals and added 18 assists for 30 points in the last full amateur season in 2018-19 with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. He added four points in seven games in the shortened 2020 season.

Dallas adds depth to its center position in picking Johnston- who was ranked No. 54 overall in Elite Prospect’s most recent rankings. It also marks the second straight season Dallas took a center in the first round after taking Mavrik Borque No. 30 overall last year.

Buffalo selected Michigan defensman Owen Power with the No. 1 overall pick. College teammate Matthew Berniers was taken by Seattle with its first ever draft pick at No. 2 overall.

This article first appeared on Dallas Sports Fanatic and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: