Wyatt Johnston Ties Modano’s Power-Play Record-and He’s Just Getting Started
First, it was Patrick Kane passing Mike Modano on the all-time American-born points list. Now, another Modano milestone has fallen-this one a little closer to home for Stars fans.
On Saturday night, in the Dallas Stars’ 3-2 win over the Utah Mammoth, Wyatt Johnston continued his breakout season by tying Modano’s franchise record for power-play goals in a single season. And here’s the kicker: he did it in just 55 games.
That’s right-Johnston’s first-period tally was his 18th power-play goal of the season, matching a mark Modano set during his prime years in Dallas. With 27 games still left on the calendar, it’s not a matter of if Johnston will break the record-it’s by how much.
A Star on the Rise
Johnston’s third NHL season is shaping up to be something special. He’s already sitting at 29 goals and 30 assists, and his 59 points put him on pace to shatter his previous career high of 71 from last year. That kind of growth is exactly what the Stars were hoping for when they invested in the young center’s development, but even this might be ahead of schedule.
What stands out isn’t just the raw numbers-it’s the way Johnston is producing. He’s become a fixture on the power play, finding soft spots in coverage and finishing with confidence. His timing, positioning, and hockey IQ are all clicking at once, and it’s paying off in a big way.
Chasing History, One Goal at a Time
Now, let’s put this into context. Modano’s 50-goal season in 1993-94 still looms large in franchise lore, and it’s unlikely Johnston hits that number this year. But the all-time single-season goal record for the franchise-including the Minnesota North Stars days-is 55, a mark shared by Dino Ciccarelli and Brian Bellows.
That’s a lofty target, but with the pace Johnston is on, it’s not out of the question. He’s already proven he can score in bunches, and if the Stars’ power play keeps humming, he’ll have plenty of chances to add to his total.
Through four seasons, Johnston has 118 career goals. For comparison, Modano-widely considered the greatest player in franchise history-finished with 561 over a 21-year career.
So no, Johnston isn’t chasing Modano’s legacy just yet. But he is carving out a place for himself in Stars history-and doing it alongside one of the game’s all-time greats.
The Bottom Line
Records are made to be broken, but when you start seeing a young player consistently mentioned in the same sentence as Mike Modano, that’s when you know something special is happening. Wyatt Johnston isn’t just having a good year-he’s building something bigger. And if this season is any indication, Stars fans could be watching the next face of the franchise come into his own, one power-play goal at a time.