The Hockey Edit

Is Wyatt Johnston the NHL’s most underrated forward? We break down the Dallas Stars center’s breakout season, elite two-way game, and clutch playoff moments to show why he deserves more recognition in the league.

Why the Dallas Stars’ rising center deserves more spotlight

The Dallas Stars have had an incredible season in the 2024-25 NHL campaign. They currently trail in the central division with 102 points–just behind the Winnipeg Jets. While being a top playoff contender, many people are looking to familiar names like Jason Robertson or Miro Heiskanen, yet there’s a star player (literally) who has seemed to fly under the radar: Wyatt Johnston.

In a world of hearing of young stars like Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard, Wyatt Johnston has flown under the radar. It begs the question: Is Wyatt Johnston one of the most underrated forwards in the NHL? 

The Numbers Don’t Lie

This season, Johnston has quietly become a crucial piece of the Stars’ top six. In the 2023-24 season, he produced 65 points (32 goals, 33 assists) and averaged 17:00 minutes on ice. So far in the 2024-25 season, he’s out produced last year with 67 points so far (30 goals, 37 assists) and 18:59 average time on ice–a career high. 

For comparison, this season’s first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini has posted 53 points (21 goals, 32 assists) with slightly more ice time (19:21). While Celebrini generates headlines, Johnston is putting up elite numbers with less fanfare.

Even during his rookie year, Johnston was producing and playing at a high level. “He ended his rookie season tied with Seattle Kraken forward Matty Beniers for the lead among NHL rookies with 24 goals, fourth with 41 points, second with 160 shots on goal and third with 34 even-strength points (21 goals) in 82 regular-season games”

More Than Just Offense– Johnston’s Two-Way Game

Johnston doesn’t just perform on offensive, but excels on both sides of the puck. With only 21 years of age, Johnston plays a mature game and takes on defensive responsibilities as well. Johnston sees regular time on penalty kills, is deployed late in close games, and has become a key player for the Stars’ transitional game. Johnston also has a knack for forechecking and puck retrieval. 

Rising When It Matters Most

It’s not just the regular season where Johnston shines. In the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, Johnston produced 5 goals and 7 points across 19 games as a rookie. The following year, he notched 11 points in 17 playoff games. Most notably was the game-winning goal in the second round game against the Colorado Avalanche that sent Dallas to the Western Conference Final. 

The Stars head coach, Pete DeBoer, sings praise for Johnston. “He’s got ice in his veins. You don’t see that kind of poise from many kids his age. He wants the puck in the big moments.”

Why He’s Overlooked

So why isn’t Wyatt Johnston getting the love he deserves? Part of it comes down to the depth of talent in Dallas. He plays on a veteran-heavy Dallas team that is full of other star players like Robertson, Heiskanen, and Hintz. 

Market size matters, too. Johnston plays in Dallas—not a traditional hockey market like Toronto, New York, or even Anaheim. While players like Trevor Zegras, and Tage Thompson benefit from large media exposure, Johnston’s spotlight is more local.

Why Johnston Gets Overlooked

With Johnston continuing on his current track, we have to wonder how far he will continue to grow. With his offensive instincts, two-way play, and growing minutes, he might become a point-per-game player for the Stars. With Jamie Benn aging, the Stars will eventually shift toward their younger players, making Johnston a top candidate to be Dallas’ top-line center. 

Underrated but Not for Long

Wyatt Johnston may not dominate headlines, but his impact is undeniable. So, is Wyatt Johnston the most underrated forward in the NHL? He just might be.

What do you think? Who else deserves more recognition across the league?