Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston is eyeing a spot on Team Canada for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, as he focuses on making a strong impression ahead of the roster finalization deadline on December 31. The 22-year-old centre has been performing notably this season, contributing 12 goals and 25 points in just 24 games, placing him third in team scoring behind standout players Jason Robertson and Mikko Rantanen.
“I grew up watching the ‘Golden Goal’ from Sid [Sidney Crosby] and NHL players at the Olympics; it would be amazing to go,” Johnston recently shared with NHL.com. “For me, it’s just about doing the best I can to help the Stars win and enhance my chances of making that team. That would be awesome, and a huge honour.”
Johnston, who was drafted 23rd overall by Dallas in 2021, has seen his career take off in the past few seasons. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic sidelined him during his entire draft year, and upon returning to play with the Windsor Spitfires in 2021-22, he led the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) with 124 points across 68 games. He also topped playoff scoring in the OHL with 41 points in 25 contests. Since breaking into the NHL in 2022, Johnston has consistently increased his production, finishing with 41, 65, and 71 points over the last three seasons without missing a game.
Johnston’s head coach, Gulutzan, praised his talent and work ethic, describing him as “a very crafty, coachable young man” with exceptional hockey IQ and skill. “He has a great shot; he doesn’t need much space to shoot,” Gulutzan noted. “He’s very effective in the NHL, which speaks to his intelligence on the ice.”
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In August, Johnston was among 42 players invited to Hockey Canada’s Olympic orientation camp, but he faces fierce competition for a roster spot. Several stars have already secured their positions, including Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Brayden Point, Sam Reinhart, and defenceman Cale Makar. MacKinnon currently leads the league in scoring, while McDavid follows closely behind. Johnston’s immediate rivals include Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, two former No. 1 overall picks, who have both been exceptional this season.
Currently, Johnston ranks 11th among all Canadian skaters in NHL scoring, a notable accomplishment. Four years ago, he represented Canada at the World U18 Championship, winning a gold medal alongside Bedard.
Stars captain Jamie Benn, who won Olympic gold with Canada in 2014, commended Johnston’s all-round game. “He can dominate a game by himself,” Benn said. “He plays a 200-foot game exceptionally well, which you don’t often see in young players early in their careers. He has had that from Day 1.”
