As the Dallas Stars get ready to face the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky couldn’t help but bring up an old mistake. And it’s one the Oilers might wish they could undo.
While praising young Stars center Wyatt Johnston, Gretzky took a playful jab at Edmonton’s 2021 draft decision. It turns out the Oilers passed on Johnston—and Gretzky hasn’t forgotten.
“You’re Such a Good Player”
In a short video that circulated online, Gretzky congratulated Johnston and singled him out for his growth in the NHL. Then he mentioned the moment the Oilers skipped drafting him.
“They didn’t draft you,” he said to Johnston, “and I always give [my brother] s**t about it.”
That “brother” is Keith Gretzky, who was part of Edmonton’s front office at the time.
A Draft Day to Forget
Here’s what happened back in 2021:
- The Oilers originally held the 20th pick but traded down.
- Minnesota took goalie Jesper Wallstedt at No. 20.
- Edmonton then picked forward Xavier Bourgault at No. 22.
- One spot later, Dallas grabbed Wyatt Johnston at No. 23.
Fast forward to 2025, and the difference between the two picks is huge.
Johnston’s Rise in the NHL
Wyatt Johnston has become a star. This season alone, he scored 71 points in 82 games—a career best. He’s now recorded the most career points of any player from the 2021 draft class.
He’s also been a clutch performer in the playoffs, scoring in three straight Game 7s and sealing two series wins, including one against the Avalanche. Dallas rewarded him with a five-year, $42 million contract in March.
Meanwhile, Bourgault has yet to make his NHL debut. After being traded to Ottawa in 2024, his future remains uncertain.
A Reminder Before a Big Series
The Stars face the Oilers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final on May 21. It’s a high-stakes matchup, and for Johnston, it’s personal.
He’s now facing the team that could have picked him—but didn’t. And he has Wayne Gretzky’s words ringing in his ears as motivation.
As for the Oilers, the regret might only grow deeper if Johnston continues his postseason heroics.
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