The Dallas Stars have reached the Western Conference Finals for the third consecutive year, led by Wyatt Johnston, their 2021 first-round draft pick. Johnston, now 22, has had a standout season, scoring a personal best of 71 points and leading his draft class with 177 career points. His significant contributions include scoring in three consecutive Game 7s, including a game-winning goal against Colorado in the first round of the playoffs.

Johnston's impressive performance has not gone unnoticed, with the Stars recently signing him to a five-year, $42 million contract extension. As they gear up to face the Edmonton Oilers again, who passed on drafting him in 2021 in favor of Xavier Bourgault, former Oilers great Wayne Gretzky reflected on the decision, emphasizing Johnston's potential and what could have been for Edmonton. Game 1 of the series is set for Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.