Learn more about one of the best youngsters in the NHL.
Learn more about one of the best youngsters in the NHL.
DALLAS - There are quite a few interesting tidbits in the latest release of "The Franchise" series, which profiles rising youngster Wyatt Johnston this time around.
We learn that Director of Amateur Scouting Joe McDonnell was the man who believed that Johnston would be a solid pick at No. 23 overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.
McDonnell convinced general manager Jim Nill to add Johnston to the Stars' fold.
"Sometimes there’s a gut feel, and Joe McDonnell had that gut feel. I challenged him all the time," explained Nill. "I said, 'Joe, you sure this is the guy?’ Joe did a lot of homework, talked to a lot of his coaches and former coaches. In the end, it was the right call."
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It certainly was.
The 20-year-old Toronto native has been a welcome addition to a club with championship aspirations.
He insists that living with the Pavelski family has something to do with the quick start to his career.
"There are so many things that I’ve learned from him, on the ice, off the ice, but I think one thing is the way he goes about his business day in, day out, and I try to do my best to kind of follow him and see what he’s doing and learn from him," explained Johnston, who's residing with the veteran forward for a second straight year. "They’re so awesome to me, and we made some great memories and had some great moments. I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done to help me and how supportive they’ve been in just making me feel at home here in Dallas."
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Pavelski is enjoying having Johnston as a houseguest.
The pair have enjoyed some good times.
"It’s been a lot of fun having him at the house. It’s a pretty laid back household, especially with him around," said Pavelski. "There are some late nights after games where we’re sitting there and can’t sleep, so we’ll be talking through the game a little bit or certain plays or watching a TV show, so there are some different conversations that way, but it’s just easy and relaxed."
Click here to watch the full episode on Johnston.