Wyatt Johnston claimed his spot on the Dallas Stars roster in his rookie season last season.
Stars fans are eagerly awaiting to see what season number two has in store for Wyatt.
The young forward will be out to show that last season was not beginner’s luck.
As with any team, there will be shifting due to line juggling, injuries, and trades. Johnston will be working to continue to solidify his role on the team.
Named to NHL’s All-Rookie Team
During his impressive first season, Johnston received a rare honor in Dallas as he’s only the third forward in Minnesota North Stars/Dallas history to receive the acclamation. He entered the NHL’s 2023 all-rookie team.
Johnston joined Matty Beniers of the Seattle Kraken on that rookie team. The same guy was picked as the Calder Memorial Trophy winner over the Dallas center for Rookie of the Year. Fun fact; Johnston had the series-clinching goal over Beniers and his Kraken in the second round of the playoffs.
That go-ahead goal came on this shot.
Don’t Expect a Sophomore Jinx
After an impressive first NHL season, Stars fans and critics should not expect a sophomore jinx for 2024. Most people will not pencil in Johnston for having a down year and for good reason. Johnston’s success appears on both the stat sheet and in the locker room.
Playing alongside vets Evgenii Dadonov and a revamped Jamie Benn, the 20-year-old brought out the best in those two. The older guys were able to help the rookie maximize his own potential too. A chemistry was formed between the three forwards, which will continue into 2024 after Dadonov re-signed this summer. Every NHL team wants line and team chemistry to carry over the following year.
Living with Joe Pavelski
Comradery is an important thing amongst successful teams.
On and off the ice is where comradery happens. Guys living together create a unique on and off-the-ice dynamic.
Johnston remains thankful for his roommate today.
“I’ve learned so much about just being a pro and kind of day-in and day-out of being an NHL player,” Johnston said.
“I can’t thank them enough for how much they’ve helped me throughout this year so far. Definitely made it a lot easier kind of adjusting to the NHL, adjusting to the lifestyle, and just being in a new city.”
