Wayne Gretzky, revered as one of the greatest NHL players, has not held back his criticism of his brother Keith for a draft decision that has since sparked debate among hockey fans. Keith Gretzky, who is the assistant general manager of the Bakersfield Condors—an AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers—made a notable choice during the 2021 NHL Draft when he picked Xavier Bourgault with the 22nd overall selection. This decision is now being scrutinized, as the very next player selected, Wyatt Johnston, has emerged as a standout talent.
After Johnston was picked 23rd by the Dallas Stars, he has made waves in the NHL, racking up an impressive 177 career points—making him the highest scorer among the 2021 draft class. Notably, Johnston achieved a personal best of 71 points in the 2024-25 season and has consistently made impactful plays in the playoffs, including multiple game-winning goals.
In a recent moment shared in the locker room, Wayne Gretzky praised Johnston, pointing out the Oilers’ misstep in choosing Bourgault over him. While Bourgault has shown potential in the AHL, recording 26 points in 61 games during the 2024-25 season, he has yet to make his NHL debut. This stark contrast in progress raises eyebrows and fuels the conversation about draft decisions.
Keith Gretzky’s choice is not the only one that has come under scrutiny, as several teams that passed on Johnston are likely reflecting on their draft strategies. For instance, the Ottawa Senators selected Tyler Boucher with the 10th pick, and like Bourgault, he has not yet stepped onto the NHL stage.
As Johnston prepares for the upcoming 2025 Western Conference Finals against the Oilers, there’s a sense of anticipation around how he will further his career and potentially prove the doubters wrong. His trajectory is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the draft and the opportunities that can arise for talented players.
This situation underscores the importance of careful evaluation in player selections and serves as a motivational moment for Johnston as he continues to excel in his professional career. With his current momentum, he has the potential to rise even higher in the league, and his story may inspire future draft considerations.