Archive · 21 May 2025
Wayne Gretzky's Draft Critique: Oilers' Johnston Miss
Wayne Gretzky joked about his brother, who used to work for the Edmonton Oilers, about a bad choice during the 2021 NHL draft.
The Oilers could have picked a great young player named Wyatt Johnston, but they didn't.
Instead, they picked Xavier Bourgault, who hasn't even played in the NHL yet.
Johnston is now doing amazing things for the Dallas Stars.
This is a reminder of a missed opportunity for the Oilers and why it stings for their fans.
Wayne Gretzky playfully criticized his brother, Keith Gretzky, over the Edmonton Oilers' 2021 draft choice.
The Oilers missed the opportunity to draft Wyatt Johnston, now a standout player for the Dallas Stars.
Johnston was drafted by Dallas at 23rd overall, while Edmonton selected Xavier Bourgault at 22nd.
Bourgault, chosen by Edmonton, has not yet played in the NHL and was later traded.
Johnston's performance highlights the Oilers' missed opportunity in the 2021 draft.
- Who
- Wayne Gretzky, Keith Gretzky, Wyatt Johnston, Xavier Bourgault, and the Edmonton Oilers.
- What
- Wayne Gretzky commented on the Edmonton Oilers' failure to draft Wyatt Johnston in 2021.
- When
- The 2021 NHL draft
- Where
- Edmonton, Canada; Dallas, USA
- Why
- Wayne Gretzky shared a playful reminder of the Oilers' draft misstep to his brother.
- Current Team of Johnston
- Dallas Stars
- Johnston's Draft Position
- 23rd overall
- Draft Year
- 2021
- Keith Gretzky's Role at time of draft
- Assistant GM of the Oilers
- Player selected by Edmonton in 2021 draft
- Xavier Bourgault
- Johnston's points in regular season
- 71