Dallas Stars fans will love the subtle change Wyatt Johnston made this summer
Photo credit: The Hockey News
It's rare to see a 22-year-old make a major adjustment after his best season yet, but Wyatt Johnston continues to separate himself from the pack.
The Dallas Stars center is coming off a breakout campaign in which he recorded 71 points, established himself as a reliable scorer in all situations, and reinforced his reputation as one of the NHL's brightest young forwards.
Now, as the Stars prepare for the 2025-26 season, Johnston has made one subtle change that could have a huge impact. Instead of focusing on new linemates or changing his offensive approach, he has spent the summer reworking his game in the faceoff circle.
Why Wyatt Johnston's faceoff improvements could elevate his role in Dallas
Johnston worked closely with Dallas's development staff during the offseason, breaking down video of the league's best centers and drilling his technique on draws. The goal: to become more consistent and give his team an edge in possession.
«It's not just about reaction time,» Johnston said in a recent team interview. «It's about knowing what the other guy wants to do before the puck even drops.»
Last season, Johnston hit a career-high 51.2% win rate on faceoffs, but he still sees room for improvement. More draws won means more control off the hop, more offensive zone chances, and even better setups on the power play.
It's the type of behind-the-scenes adjustment that might not make highlight reels but can change games over an 82-game season.
Even without the faceoff focus, Johnston was already a vital piece of Dallas's success. He scored 33 goals, excelled on special teams, and has yet to miss a game in his NHL career.
Under new head coach Glen Gulutzan, his consistency and versatility make him one of the true cornerstones of the Stars' lineup.
If Johnston adds elite-level faceoff skill to his existing scoring and durability, the Dallas offense could become even more efficient.
I believe this is exactly the kind of smart, under-the-radar change that can turn a strong season into a great one, and for Johnston, it could be the step that pushes him into true star status.
