Stars’ Wyatt Johnston returns to lineup after two-game absence

The Dallas Stars are getting a boost to the lineup, as center Wyatt Johnston is set to return for Saturday night’s road clash against the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Johnston missed the Stars’ last two games with illness and is poised to re-enter the top six, as well as his power-play role against the Blackhawks, in front of expected starting goaltender Jake Oettinger. 

While the two missed games provided a hiccup, it has otherwise been a stellar start to the season for the 23-year-old, who posted four assists and 11 shots in his first five games, while chipping in four blocked shots and three hits on the defensive side of the puck. 

With his return, Johnston will hope to spark another lengthy streak of durability in his career. Before his absence, he played all 333 of his NHL games consecutively, amassing 134 goals and 133 assists for 267 points early in his career. 

His return is only part of the Stars’ improving health, though, as they will continue to miss Matt Duchene to a core injury and Oskar Bäck to a finger issue. In their place, players like Colin Blackwell, Joel Kiviranta, Arttu Hyry and Justin Hryckowian have stepped up in their contributions. 

“They just gave us so much energy,” head coach Glen Gulutzan said after the Stars’ recent shootout win over the Colorado Avalanche. “I thought against Colorado, those forwards were really good. Blacky had some really effective minutes, Kivi made some good little plays, and I thought Artty was a horse. We need those guys when you’ve got injuries as we do.”

After Saturday’s clash with the Blackhawks, the Stars will return home for a six-game homestand, starting Tuesday against the Boston Bruins, before welcoming the Winnipeg Jets, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, and Columbus Blue Jackets.