Tom Wilson is a name that is well known around the NHL.  Standing at 6’4” tall, the big Capitals forward brings an intimidating presence on the ice.

Wilson, 24, was the Capitals 1^st round pick (16^th overall) back in 2012.  Under Barry Trotz, Wilson’s role with the club has expanded.  From his early beginning as a 4^th line player, he has grown into a reliable penalty killing top-9 forward.

While Wilson’s role with the Capitals has grown, he still brings his physical game that opposing teams do not like to play against.  Wilson is among the NHL’s leaders in hits and penalty minutes.  While Wilson does have a lot of penalty minutes, he is one of the Capitals top players in drawing penalties.

OFFENSIVE PUNCH

2017-18 has been Tom Wilson’s best season in offensive statistics.  Through 73 games, Wilson has recorded 13 goals and 33 points.  Those numbers in each category for him are career highs.

In recent weeks, Wilson has been promoted into the top-six group.  He has skated with Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov in these recent games.  Wilson has embraced the opportunity, and has formed some good chemistry with the Capitals top offensive players.

CONTRACT EXTENSION COMING UP

At the end of the current season, Tom Wilson will need a new contract.  He is a restricted free agent, and will be arbitration eligible.  He is coming off a 2-year deal that is worth $4 million.

With Tom Wilson’s point increase and young age, he still has plenty of upside as a player.  The Capitals will likely sign him to a new contract that is 3-5 years in length.  If Wilson gets his offensive production rolling in the playoffs, that could also strengthen his case for a larger contract.

WILSON HAS SILENCED THE CRITICS

Earlier in Wilson’s career, some thought that Wilson would only pan out as a 4^th line player.  Over the last few years, Wilson’s role has expanded and he has shown that he can put up some quality offensive numbers.

Wilson has shown that he can bring more than just hitting and fighting to the rink every night.  Wilson is one of the Capitals top penalty killers, and he is a force in the corners of the rink.  While his offensive production has not completely skyrocketed, he has improved in this area, and he still has plenty of room for improvement.

Wilson is a player that opposing teams hate playing against, but he is a player that his fellow players love to have around.  His blue-collar work ethic on the ice does not go unnoticed in the Capitals locker room.

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Great shot of Tom Wilson’s face being smushed into a birthday cake earlier today. (from @postphoto) https://t.co/p93Tbdvkoj pic.twitter.com/t1hzRFrXz1

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 30, 2018

By: George Foussekis