The Dallas Stars are enjoying a great moment in the NHL, currently sitting in second place in the Central Division, and much of this success is due to the incredible talent on their roster. With the goal of securing that talent for several more years, the franchise decided to extend Wyatt Johnston‘s contract, one of their key players. Regarding this, the center shared a unique reflection on his current situation with the team.
Despite the loss to the Winnipeg Jets, Pete DeBoer’s squad remains in the fight, thanks to the stellar performances from their team. Wyatt, one of their key figures, shared his feelings with the press after extending his contract with Dallas.
“I’m living the dream right now, playing in the NHL and living in a place I love to be,” Johnston said via NHL.com. “To be able to get that done and know that I’ll be here the next five years, it’s hard to explain. It’s just so exciting.”
Since his arrival to the Stars, the talented 21-year-old player has accumulated an impressive number of goals, as well as delivering standout performances for his team. In 65 games this season, he has scored 24 goals and provided 36 assists.
Johnston was rewarded by the Dallas Stars with a five-year, $42 million contract ($8.4 million average annual value). The franchise ensures the long-term continuity of one of its key players.
The main goal, according to Johnston
Knowing his great impact and the influence he has on his teammates, Wyatt keeps his focus on the ultimate goal. With his feet firmly on the ground, he understands that the primary objective is to become champions.
“Looking into the future, seeing the guys that are locked down here the next five years, it’s super exciting,” Johnston said. “You want to win games, and you want to win the Stanley Cup — that’s the most important thing. It’s exciting to have a chance to possibly do that every year.
“Every year I’ve been here, it feels like we’re a team that could win the Stanley Cup. In talking to everyone around the League, people tell you that these opportunities don’t come around all the time. To be in this situation, two years going to the Western Conference Final with a team which we all believe we could have won the last two years. Coming in this year, too, we believe we could win.”
Pete DeBoer praised Johnston’s work
While Johnston has proven to be a key pillar in the development of Dallas’ game, it is his coach, Pete DeBoer, who sees his progress daily, both in training and during games.
In recent statements to the press, the experienced Stars coach revealed one of the main reasons why he didn’t hesitate to name Johnston as the team’s alternate captain.
“It’s already his third year in the NHL, which is crazy to think at his age, but he goes about his business the way a leader should,” DeBoer said via NHL.com. “Prepares the right way, says the right things, plays the right way, so [the ‘A’ is] a little reward for him of, I’m sure, what’s to come, which is going to be a big leadership part here of the Dallas Stars going forward.”