Wyatt Johnston under pressure: Why the Stars' young centre is both a concern and a solution
Photo credit: Daily Faceoff
Wyatt Johnston's regular season was elite, but a disastrous playoff run has changed the narrative, and scouts aren't sure what to make of it
At just 21 years old, Wyatt Johnston has already become one of the most important names on the Dallas Stars' roster.
He's produced 177 points over three seasons, cracked Team Canada's Olympic orientation camp, and signed a five-year deal worth $8.4 million per season, putting him on the same financial tier as Miro Heiskanen.
But instead of being celebrated this summer, Johnston has found himself at the center of criticism.
His minus-16 rating during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs tied an all-time record for worst postseason plus-minus, according to Sean Shapiro of D Magazine.
It's a shocking stat for a player who racked up 71 points over 82 regular season games.
So what happened?
Scouts disagree on Wyatt Johnston's playoff failure and what the Dallas Stars should do next
According to multiple scouts interviewed by Shapiro, theories vary.
«I thought he was hurt,» one Western Conference scout admitted. «Maybe he was, and they just didn't tell anyone, but he wasn't himself in the playoffs and seemed off.»
Another evaluator offered a different explanation.
«Someone's always going to draw the short straw in the playoffs,» a second scout told D Magazine. «He got the toughest matchups and owned it. I'm not as worried. This is how you grow.»
Not everyone sees Johnston as a self-driving force.
If Johnston can't create offense without help, should Dallas treat him as a centerpiece?
One scout proposed a clear solution.
«I'd like to see him play with Rantanen,» he said. «They'd play well off each other. I don't mind Hintz lower in the lineup either, he could be a wrecking ball on a third line.»
I think Johnston's critics are moving too fast, one bad month shouldn't erase three years of growth.
Personally, I believe Johnston is still scratching the surface of his upside.
Yes, the contract raises expectations, but so does his talent.
The Stars are betting on a breakout. If they're right, this year's conversation might look very different a season from now.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 6 | 65 ANSWERS Wyatt Johnston under pressure: Why the Stars' young centre is both a concern and a solution Do you think Wyatt Johnston will bounce back in the 2026 playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 56 | 86.2 % |
| No | 9 | 13.8 % |
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