Wayne Gretzky's surprising compliment elevates Stars' Wyatt Johnston ahead of West Final vs Oilers

Wyatt Johnston draws rare praise from Wayne Gretzky just as the Dallas Stars prepare to clash with the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final. The 22-year-old center has been one of the breakout stories of the 2024–25 season, and now he finds himself at the heart of a playoff run that has the Stars on the brink of their first Stanley Cup Final since 2020.

Johnston’s blend of scoring touch, poise under pressure, and leadership beyond his years has made him a cornerstone for Stars. After posting a career-high 71 points this season—33 goals and 38 assists—he continues to elevate his game when it matters most. That includes a clutch goal against the Colorado Avalanche in Round 1 that sealed the series, part of a growing collection of postseason heroics.

“You’re such a good player. I always tell my brother he didn’t draft you… they picked another guy before you, and I always give him [expletive],” Gretzky told Johnston recently in a conversation via “X” @Br_OpenIce. The comment referred to the 2021 NHL Draft, where the Oilers selected Xavier Bourgault at No. 22, leaving Johnston to be taken next by Dallas at No. 23—a move that now looks like a steal.

From draft-day slip to playoff force

Since entering the league, Johnston has amassed 177 career points—more than any player from his draft class. But it’s his timing in big games that sets him apart: three consecutive Game 7s with a goal, two of them game-winners. That kind of performance under playoff pressure is rare, especially for a player who just turned 22. It’s no wonder Dallas committed to him long term with a five-year, $42 million contract earlier this year.

A chance to prove the Oilers wrong—again

Now, Johnston will face the very team that passed on him in one of the most anticipated matchups of the postseason. With the Western Conference crown on the line, and Gretzky’s words still echoing, the Stars’ young center has another opportunity to show the Oilers exactly what they missed. If his track record is any indication, Johnston will be ready to deliver—again.

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