Wyatt Johnston: 2023-24 Fantasy Hockey Breakout Star?
If you’re looking for fantasy hockey league winners for the 2023-24 NHL Season, Wyatt Johnston might be a good place to start. I’m not sure if you’re paying attention but the Stars young forward has a chance to pop in a big way heading into this season. I love the idea of snagging Johnston late in every draft I’m in.
Johnston, 20, notched 41 points during his rookie campaign. He also carried a 15% shooting rate as a rookie. The thing that should really be mentioned is the fact that Johnston caught fire towards the end of last year. 15 of those points came in the final 21 games of the season. The flashes at the end of the year were special.
A few things that should also be mentioned.
A: Johnston is basically going free in drafts. He’s ranked outside the top 150 on most lists you look at. I think that’s a mistake. There is no reason why Johnston can’t push his way towards 65 points this year with a larger defined role.
B: I trust Jim Nill at drafting. How can you not? This is the same guy that snagged Jason Robertson, Miro Heiskanen, and Jake Oettinger in the same draft class. Dallas has proven they’re pretty good at hitting on these picks. Johnston looks like the next young stud in line to pop.
C: Johnston has a defined role in place now. As mentioned in the Stars preview, he’s projected to be the second line center this year pushing Tyler Seguin down the pecking order. Johnston had pretty good chemistry with Jamie Benn last year. If you’re now adding Matt Duchene to the mix, that line could put up serious points. Johnston probably won’t be on the first powerplay unit but could work his way toward that.
I think people should trust the progression on this one. Wyatt Johnston is worth the dart throw in fantasy hockey and could easily become a league winner. Maybe I’m a year too soon but there is no denying that this kid will become a stud eventually. It’s only a matter of time.
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