FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Stars have made headlines by signing 21-year-old center Wyatt Johnston to an extended contract worth $42 million over five years. This announcement comes alongside a major trade where the team secured Mikko Rantanen. These moves signify an active period for the Stars, as they strategically enhance their roster with significant talents.
The news of Johnston’s contract was somewhat overshadowed by the Stars’ acquisition of Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes. Rantanen, now under a whopping $96 million, eight-year contract extension, adds considerable depth to the team. However, the retention of Johnston is also a key highlight for Dallas, especially given his mentorship by Joe Pavelski, a recently retired NHL veteran.
General Manager Jim Nill addressed the media post-trade deadline, stating that finalizing Johnston’s extension was timely and instrumental for the team. Johnston, who was approaching the status of a restricted free agent on July 1, is considered a pivotal player for Dallas’s future. “We just thought this was maybe the perfect time to bring it together,” Nill mentioned. He further pointed out the importance of ensuring that Johnston fits well into the team’s lineup while integrating new talent like Rantanen.
The extended contract for Johnston, set to commence next season, will average $8.4 million annually through the 2029-30 season. Both Johnston and Rantanen share the same representatives, which undoubtedly facilitated negotiations.
By Saturday night’s game in Edmonton, Johnston had an impressive track record, having participated in all Dallas Stars games since his debut in the 2022-23 season opener. He has contributed 165 points across 226 regular-season games, with an additional 22 points in 38 playoff appearances. His performance, with 79 goals and 86 assists in regular seasons, marks him as a crucial asset to the team’s offense. Johnston’s scoring prowess was highlighted again with a recent third career hat trick against St. Louis, maintaining an eight-game point streak.
This season marks a new chapter for Johnston, as he navigates the NHL world living on his own for the first time. Initially, during his first two seasons, Johnston resided with Joe Pavelski and his family, benefiting from the veteran’s guidance before he retired prior to his 40th birthday.
These developments underscore the Stars’ commitment to building a robust team for the future, ensuring a blend of seasoned and burgeoning talent to maintain their competitive edge in the National Hockey League.
