Wyatt Johnston Has One BIG Piece of Advice for Gavin McKenna

Dallas Stars star Wyatt Johnston joins Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for a wide-ranging interview.

Johnston previews The Circle of Champions, a charity event taking place August 18 at Scotiabank Pond in Toronto, before reflecting on what it was like growing up as a Maple Leafs fan. He shares memories of cheering for Phil Kessel, Mitch Marner, and Auston Matthews, and explains why returning home to play in Toronto always means a little more.

He also looks back at scoring his first NHL goal in his hometown on April 13, when the Stars rallied from a 5-3 third-period deficit to defeat the Leafs 6-5. Johnston discusses the "Toronto effect," why local players get extra motivated to play the Leafs, and offers advice to top prospect Gavin McKenna as he prepares for the spotlight in hockey's biggest market.

Plus, Johnston weighs in on the NHL's new financial landscape and the wave of blockbuster contracts signed this summer, explains why the Dallas Stars continue to develop so much talent, and opens up about the enormous impact Joe Pavelski had on his career. From living with the Pavelski family for two years to Pavelski's reported interest in the Maple Leafs' head coaching vacancy, Johnston shares why his former teammate is one of the smartest hockey minds he's been around.

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