Johnston was set to become a restricted free agent in the offseason, but has signed a five-year contract extension, worth $42 million, making him an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2029-30 season. The 21-year-old Johnston has 59 points (23G / 36A) in 62 games this season, including 14 points (8G / 6A) in his last eight games.
Johnston had been unavailable for the latter half of training camp after battling an undisclosed injury but could be ready for the Stars' season opener on Thursday against the Nashville Predators. The 21-year-old is coming off a breakthrough season, scoring 65 points (32G / 33A) in 82 games, and is expecting to be a driving force for a deep Dallas Stars offense.
Johnston had a "little bit of a procedure," according to head coach Pete DeBoer. The Stars will be forced to shuffle their lineup around and Craig Smith will likely dress if Johnston isn't able to play on Thursday.
