Episode
Wyatt Johnston on Growing Up a Leafs Fan, Gavin McKenna & Joe Pavelski
- Podcast
- Leafs Morning Take
- Published
- Jul 31, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 991
- Processing state
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- https://shows.acast.com/leafs-morning-take/episodes/wyatt-johnston-on-growing-up-a-leafs-fan-gavin-mckenna-joe-p
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Summary
Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston joins Nick Alberga & Jay Rosehill for an in-depth conversation. He starts by previewing The Circle of Champions , the August 18 charity event at Scotiabank Pond in Toronto, before reflecting on what it was like growing up in the city as a diehard Maple Leafs fan. Johnston shares memories of cheering for Phil Kessel and later admiring Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, while explaining why returning home to play in front of friends and family always carries extra meaning. Johnston also revisits his memorable first NHL goal in Toronto on April 13, when the Stars stormed back from a two-goal third-period deficit to beat the Leafs 6-5. He offers advice for top prospect Gavin McKenna as he prepares for life under the microscope in hockey's biggest market, weighs in on the NHL's exploding salary landscape and the wave of massive contracts signed this summer, and discusses why the Dallas Stars continue to churn out elite talent. Plus, Johnston opens up about the impact Joe Pavelski had on his career, why living with the Pavelski family for two years was invaluable to his development, and why he wasn't surprised to hear his former teammate was in the mix for the Maple Leafs' head coaching job, calling Pavelski an outstanding hockey mind and mentor. 🚨 Subscribe to Leafs Nation on Youtube!🚨 ➡️ / @theleafsnation401 SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!! 👍🏼Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION. http://www.bet365.ca/ Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+. Reach out to [email protected] to connect with our Sales Team and discuss o…