Wyatt Johnston shocks fans with major offseason change after breakout year

It's not often a 22-year-old player makes a major adjustment after their best season yet, but Wyatt Johnston isn't like most young NHL forwards.

The Dallas Stars center just finished a career year, putting up 71 points and proving he can be a reliable scoring threat in any situation.

Now, heading into 2025-26, he's added one specific change to his game plan that could make him even more dangerous.

While the Stars have retooled their forward group, Johnston's biggest shift this summer wasn't about who's on his line, it was about how he's preparing for faceoffs.

Johnston worked closely with Dallas development staff to overhaul his approach on draws. He studied video of some of the league's top centers and spent hours on technique drills.

Last season, he set a career-high 51.2% faceoff win rate, but he believes there's still a lot of room to grow. Winning more draws could mean more possession time, better chances off the hop, and even more power-play opportunities.

It's the kind of adjustment that can quietly boost a player's impact without making flashy headlines.

And that's saying something, considering Johnston was already a big part of Dallas' success. His 33 goals, elite special teams play, and durability (he's never missed a game) make him a cornerstone piece for new head coach Glen Gulutzan.

If Johnston combines his usual scoring touch with improved control in the circle, the Stars could see an even more efficient offense.

I think this is the kind of subtle but smart change that can turn a very good season into a great one.