James Guillory/USA Today

After an impressive performance in the first round of 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Capitals right wing Tom Wilson seemed to have begun to turn his career around after beginning it as a fourth-line player through his first three seasons. Now in his fourth full season in the NHL and currently the team’s top-line right wing, Wilson is proving he can be the player the Caps envisioned him being when they drafted him 16th overall in 2012.

In the seven games since promoted to the top-line, Wilson has recorded six points, including a two-goal, two-assist performance in the Capitals’ 6-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks last night. His performance against Chicago proved he can be a key contributor offensively while still playing with the physical edge that has seemingly defined his career to this point.

Wilson now has four goals and nine assists for 13 points in 25 games played, this after missing the first four games of the season due to a suspension. He is currently on pace for a career-high 13 goals, 29 assists, and 42 points, which would surpass his previous career-high of 23 points by 19. When the Capitals drafted him with the 16th overall pick in 2012, they envisioned him playing a similar role as veteran NHLer Milan Lucic. And so far this season, Wilson is proving he is capable of doing just that.

By Michael Fleetwood