Dallas Stars’ Wyatt Johnston Ramps Up Efforts for Canadian Olympic Hockey Team Selection

Wyatt Johnston’s Late Bid for Canadian Olympic Team Spot

Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston aims to secure a place on Team Canada’s roster for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan. With the roster deadline set for Dec. 31, Johnston has just over a month to impress Hockey Canada’s management.

Johnston leads the Stars with 12 goals and tallies 25 points in 24 games, ranking third in team scoring behind Jason Robertson and Mikko Rantanen. The 22-year-old center views Olympic inclusion as both an honor and an opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage. “Growing up watching Sidney Crosby’s ‘Golden Goal,’ playing in the Olympics would be incredible,” Johnston shared with NHL.com.

Johnston’s rise has been swift since being picked 23rd overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. After missing most of his draft year due to the COVID-19 suspension of the Ontario Hockey League season, he bounced back strongly in 2021-22. He led the OHL and CHL with 124 points in 68 games and topped OHL playoff scoring with 41 points over 25 games.

Since making the Stars’ lineup in 2022, Johnston has consistently contributed, scoring 41, 65, and 71 points in his first three NHL seasons without missing a game. Dallas coach Rick Bowness highlighted Johnston’s hockey IQ and effectiveness despite not being the fastest or biggest player. “He’s crafty, coachable, and can score with limited space,” Bowness noted.

Johnston faces stiff competition for a spot on Canada’s Olympic roster. Already named forwards include Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Brayden Point, and Sam Reinhart, with Cale Makar locked in on defense. Leading scorers Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini also vie for forward positions, boasting 33 and 34 points respectively.

Currently 11th among Canadian NHLers in scoring this season, Johnston last represented Canada at the World U18 Championship, winning gold alongside Bedard. Stars captain Jamie Benn praised his all-around game, stating, “He plays a 200-foot game and dominates in every zone, a rare skill in young players.”

With the roster freeze approaching fast, Johnston’s performance down the stretch will be crucial in determining if he can earn a spot among Canada’s elite for the Milan Games.