Spitfires' Johnston turned heads ahead of NHL Draft
Windsor Spitfires forward Wyatt Johnston took advantage of a very small window to become one of the fastest rising prospects in the year's NHL Draft.
Johnston sat on the sidelines as the Ontario Hockey League season restart was pushed back several times and eventually wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think everyone had a different season,” said Johnston, who Hockey Canada invited to its summer world junior camp this week.
Johnston's break came in April when he was named to Canada's World Under-18 team that competed for 11 days in Texas, where he was a standout.
Johnston worked his way up the lineup and helped Canada to its first gold medal at the tournament since 2013. Along the way, he had two goals and four points in seven games in the tournament and was a plus-4.
“It helped me a lot being able to play for Team Canada on international stage against players mostly draft eligible,” Johnston said. “It also gives a little more certainty to scouts about my game. They were able to see me more than other OHL players.”
NHL Central Scouting originally listed Johnston as a B prospect that could possibly go in the second or third round of this year's NHL Draft. When the final list came out, Johnston rocketed up the rankings and is the No. 16 North American skater and a potential pick in Friday's first round of the draft. The final six rounds go on Saturday.
“There's no guarantees,” Johnston said. “Obviously, with the draft, it's so unpredictable, but especially this year. I'm trying not to think about it too much and just wait it out.
“Ultimately, everyone just wants to hear their name called and that's what I'm waiting for and I'm super excited about it.”
Johnston is one of five players with ties to the Spitfires ranked for this year's draft. With no OHL season, Spitfires general manager Bill Bowler has taken plenty of phone calls.
“During a normal year, you would see scouts in the building and have normal conversations, but it does seem to be busier,” Bowler said.
Matthew Maggio played in Sweden and at a showcase event in Erie, Pa., trying to get noticed.
“I think I did as much as I could to get on the radar,” said Maggio, rated No. 175 among North American skaters.
“It wasn't easy having to go to Europe, to the States to quarantine, but at the end of day I want to be an NHL player and I'm honestly glad I took (the opportunities).
“I want to get excited, but you don't want to get too excited. I'm kind of just trying to stay mellow.”