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Should Wyatt Johnston Remain on the Dallas Stars Past October 31st

By Brian Sweet

Oct 20, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin (91) scores a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs and celebrates with center Wyatt Johnston (53) and left wing Mason Marchment (27) during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin (91) scores a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs and celebrates with center Wyatt Johnston (53) and left wing Mason Marchment (27) during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Stars have a very big decision coming up at the end of the month. That decision is whether Wyatt Johnston remains on the Dallas Stars roster or goes back to Windsor for the remainder of the season. Johnston has a year of junior hockey eligibility left since he’s currently 19.

Johnston can play up to nine NHL games before the team makes a decision. If he is in the lineup on November 1st against the Kings, his entry-level contract will fully kick in. If he were to go back, it would save the Stars from burning a year off of his entry-level contract. Here are three reasons why I think the Stars should keep him in Dallas and allow him to continue his NHL career.

Dallas Stars Wyatt Johnston Decision: 3. What does he have to gain by going back?

Right now through four games this season, Johnston has blended in well with the Stars. He currently has a goal and an assist so far this season. I’ve actually had a couple of friends message me wondering who was number 53 since he was playing so well with the Stars. All he needs to do is simplify his game some and he will have a great career in the NHL, that’s it.

Last year with the Windsor Spitfires, Johnston finished with 124 points. He’s basically already learned everything he can from that league. The only thing that would be positive in sending him back is saving a year on that entry-level contract.

Dallas Stars Wyatt Johnston Decision: 2. He’s hanging with the big boys

Johnston has shown he can hang with the NHL Veterans on the ice. He’s able to come away with the puck when opponents corner him in the corner. I would have an issue if he was checked into the boards like a ragdoll, but he’s handled some of the big hits opponents are giving him.

Sending him back would make him wonder what he did wrong out on the ice possibly messing up his development. Dallas Stars Head Coach Pete DeBoer can show what he’s doing wrong and help him correct his mistake.s

Dallas Stars Wyatt Johnston Decision: 1. He’s rooming with one of the current NHL greats

Currently, while in Dallas, Johnston is staying at Joe Pavelski’s house. I rather have him stay with Pavelski than go back up to Windsor. If you look at what Sidney Crosby did, he stayed with Mario Lemieux for the first five seasons of his career. Pavelski isn’t Lemieux but Johnston can learn from him since Pavelski has been in the league for a long time. This could fast-track Johnston’s NHL career and would make him a force to reckon with in the league.

Dallas Stars Wyatt Johnston Decision: Conclusion

I’ll accept whatever the Stars decide to do with him as October comes to a close. However, I think there are more positives to him remaining in Dallas than returning to Windsor just to save a year on his entry-level deal. The last thing you want to have to happen is him returning to Windsor and wondering what he did wrong in the first nine games of the season.

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