| Wyatt Johnston | Toronto Marlboros U15 | GTHL | R | F | 6’1″ | 176 | Windsor Spitfires | Toronto, ON | 2003 | 2020-2021: B |
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, May 2021: Wyatt is a dependable forward who can help his team win at both ends of the ice. As a center in the defensive zone it seems like he owns the face-off circles with his cool demeanor and leadership skills. To limit confusion he clearly points out what the opposing center is trying to accomplish so the rest of his linemates are prepared when the puck is dropped. Physically Wyatt is not a banger, but he hits with the goal of separating his man from the puck and consistently maintains net side positioning through contact. As a puck carrier he is very poised through the neutral zone manipulating the gap to his favor and regularly attacking the middle so he can make a quick pass to the wide winger for easy zone entries. Wyatt is always ready to shoot and when a rebound pops his way he does not need to dust it off before ripping it. He has the body control and hand eye coordination to fire bouncing rebounds that come to him from any angle and still hit the net to generate more scoring opportunities.
OHL: Windsor Spitfires vs Kitchener Ranger, March 2020: Johnston primarily played on the right side with Jean-Luc Foudy in the middle and Will Cuylle on the left. The line as buzzing all night, generating offensive opportunities off both the cycle and transitional zone entry. Offensively Johnston played with confidence and poise. He showed high level processing when jumping on rebound opportunities and his stick was always in position to shoot.
OHL: Windsor Spitfires vs Guelph Storm, February 2020: Johnston, Jean-Luc Foudy and Will Cuylle were the second line and second power play unit all game with Johnston earning a late second assist on a power play goal in the third. The former Spitfire first rounder played with pace and was intent on winning his 50/50 battles. It seems as though every game we watch him play Johnston has a few glorious opportunities from being in the right place at the right time on rebounds bouncing into the high slot. His high skill level was evident when finding the activating defenseman on breakouts or locating the weakside defenseman crashing back door on the cycle. Johnston continues to look stronger and be more impactful every game.
OHL Gold Cup, May 2019: A highly skilled, smart forward, Johnston makes plays all over the ice and showed great skill finding teammates in good shooting lanes. He shows good puck poise and hockey sense allow him to get into pockets of ice where he can create offense. His edgework and elusiveness make him difficult to defend and his speed carry the puck elevated as the season progressed. A quiet tournament for Johnston on the scoresheet – a surprise for us – as Johnston generated chances on most shifts early in the tournament. As a high first round pick we expected more from Johnston as the games tightened up but we felt he was a bit overshadowed as the tournament progressed competing on a team with Shane Wright and Liam Arnsby at center. OHL Team: Windsor Spitfires – 1st Round, 6th Overall Grade: B+
OHL Draft Top 40 Movers after OHL Cup, March 2019: Johnston was a big game, big moment player for the Marlies in their run to the GTHL finals. He seemed to be able find ways to elevate his game at the right time to contribute when his team needed. He led his team in scoring and played with extreme confidence all over the ice. His poise and hockey sense allow him to get into pockets of ice where he can create offense. His edgework and elusiveness make him difficult to defend and his speed carrying the puck elevated as the season progressed.
2018 Minor Midget International Silver Stick, December 2018: Johnston continues to show very well as a skilled 200 foot centerman. He is shifty and slick on the rush, and difficult to take time and space away from. His shot continues to improve with each viewing and has become very dangerous when he is free around the net. Johnston is a responsible centerman with a good defensive IQ and continues to use body position down low in his end to win pucks and start the transition.
Wendy Dufton Memorial Tournament, November 2018: A shifty centre, Johnston is comfortable playing through traffic, making a move or moving the puck. He is quick to the puck and not afraid to absorb a hit to get there. He has a quick release shot in tight and gets good velocity and accuracy from it in the house. Johnston needs to work harder winning defensive zone faceoffs.
Toronto Titans Minor Midget Tournament, September 2018: Wyatt is a highly skilled winger with ability to quickly get into space and create offensive opportunities. His quick burst allow him to get out of traffic effectively, which he needs to do because he still needs to fill out his thin frame. Wyatt has quick hands and a sneaky quick snap shot with good pace.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images