Mar 4, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (24) and center Wyatt Johnston (53) celebrates after Hintz scores a power play goal against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Stars Extend Wyatt Johnston After Landing Mikko Rantanen

Dallas locks in rising star Wyatt Johnston on a five-year, $8.4M deal after trading for Mikko Rantanen, bolstering their championship aspirations.

The Dallas Stars made a major splash on Friday, securing elite winger Mikko Rantanen in a trade and locking in young center Wyatt Johnston with a five-year contract extension. Johnston, 21, agreed to a deal worth $8.4 million annually, keeping him with the Stars through 2030. By then, he’ll hit unrestricted free agency. Both he and Rantanen share the same agent, Andy Scott of Octagon.

Johnston has been a crucial piece for Dallas since breaking into the NHL. In his three seasons, he’s racked up 79 goals and 86 assists across 226 games, including an impressive 23 goals and 36 assists in just 62 games this season. He’s also been a difference-maker in the playoffs, tallying 14 goals and 8 assists in 38 postseason appearances.

EXTENDED! ✍️

The @DallasStars have signed Wyatt Johnston to a five-year extension! pic.twitter.com/nou8uN6W7N
— NHL (@NHL) March 8, 2025

Meanwhile, Rantanen, who was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes, wasted no time committing to his new team. He signed an eight-year contract extension worth $12 million per season, solidifying Dallas’ long-term offensive core.

The Stars’ aggressive moves have shaken up the Stanley Cup odds. After adding Rantanen, they jumped to co-favorites at +600 on ESPN BET, alongside the Florida Panthers, who also bolstered their roster by acquiring Brad Marchand from the Bruins. Before these trades, the Edmonton Oilers held the best odds at +700. With these additions, Dallas has positioned itself as a top contender for this year’s championship.

Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Wyatt Johnston

Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!