The 2021 NHL draft is still haunting the Edmonton Oilers , not simply because they lost an interesting opportunity, but also because of who missed it. Wayne Gretzky , who has long been the face of the franchise, recently shared a rare moment of his life where he took a gentle but firm dig at his brother over a big draft blunder. A little bit of so-called family banter, but that exaggerates the point—one wrong pick can derail a franchise.
Wyatt Johnston 's Rise Highlights the Costly Draft Oversight for the Edmonton Oilers by Keith Gretzky
As the Dallas Stars prepare to face off for yet another Western Conference Final, 22-year-old forward Wyatt Johnston has emerged as one of the league's brightest young stars. Drafted by Dallas 23rd overall in 2021, Johnston has quickly outshone almost all his colleagues. He took part in all 82 regular games this season and amassed a career-high 71 points. His postseason performance is even more impressive, 8 points in 13 games with game-tying goals in clutch Game 7 scenarios.
What stings for Edmonton fans was that the Oilers actually held the 22nd pick that year—one spot ahead of Dallas—and selected center Xavier Bourgault. Bourgault, unlike Johnston, has yet to play a single NHL game, having been traded to the Ottawa Senators soon after. Currently, he's still making his mark in the minors.
In a locker room interaction amongst Johnston, Wayne Gretzky, shared a joke about how he would incessantly remind his brother Keith, who was at the time the assistant GM of the Oilers, about the error they had made. “he didn't draft you, they picked another guy before you - I always give him s**t!” Wayne quipped. While perhaps a bit of fun on Wayne's part, the expression rings true for many an Oilers fan. The Oilers, who have had well-documented struggles with draft development before, have once again let a game-changer slip through their hands.
Johnston's successes speak not only to his talent but also to the player the Oilers could have had: a dependable top-six forward capable of consistent offense and poise in clutch situations. That sort of player is exactly what could tip the scales in the Oilers' deep playoff run situation now.
Also Read: Discovering the life of Wayne Gretzky and his children beyond the game
Wayne's brotherly critique of Keith was lighthearted yet set forth the glaringly obvious misstep in Edmonton's draft process. With Johnston flourishing and the Stars dominating, the Oilers can only lament what might have been if just one choice had been made differently in 2021.
Wyatt Johnston 's Rise Highlights the Costly Draft Oversight for the Edmonton Oilers by Keith Gretzky
As the Dallas Stars prepare to face off for yet another Western Conference Final, 22-year-old forward Wyatt Johnston has emerged as one of the league's brightest young stars. Drafted by Dallas 23rd overall in 2021, Johnston has quickly outshone almost all his colleagues. He took part in all 82 regular games this season and amassed a career-high 71 points. His postseason performance is even more impressive, 8 points in 13 games with game-tying goals in clutch Game 7 scenarios.
What stings for Edmonton fans was that the Oilers actually held the 22nd pick that year—one spot ahead of Dallas—and selected center Xavier Bourgault. Bourgault, unlike Johnston, has yet to play a single NHL game, having been traded to the Ottawa Senators soon after. Currently, he's still making his mark in the minors.
In the 2021 NHL Draft, the Oilers held the 22nd pick, and selected Xavier Bourgault. The Stars selected Wyatt Johnston with the next pick.
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 20, 2025
Wayne Gretzky told Johnston he “gives his brother sh—t” for not taking Johnston 😂 pic.twitter.com/rSBERFBotp
In a locker room interaction amongst Johnston, Wayne Gretzky, shared a joke about how he would incessantly remind his brother Keith, who was at the time the assistant GM of the Oilers, about the error they had made. “he didn't draft you, they picked another guy before you - I always give him s**t!” Wayne quipped. While perhaps a bit of fun on Wayne's part, the expression rings true for many an Oilers fan. The Oilers, who have had well-documented struggles with draft development before, have once again let a game-changer slip through their hands.
Johnston's successes speak not only to his talent but also to the player the Oilers could have had: a dependable top-six forward capable of consistent offense and poise in clutch situations. That sort of player is exactly what could tip the scales in the Oilers' deep playoff run situation now.
Also Read: Discovering the life of Wayne Gretzky and his children beyond the game
Wayne's brotherly critique of Keith was lighthearted yet set forth the glaringly obvious misstep in Edmonton's draft process. With Johnston flourishing and the Stars dominating, the Oilers can only lament what might have been if just one choice had been made differently in 2021.
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