Tom Wilson Out 6-8 Months Following Knee Surgery To Reconstruct Torn ACL


The Washington Capitals announced on Wednesday that forward Tom Wilson has undergone successful knee surgery on a torn ACL and will be out six to eight months. Wilson tore the ACL in his left knee in the first period of Game 1 of their first-round series with the Florida Panthers on May 3.

The timeline means Wilson will miss the start of the 2022-23 season, but could return before the end of the calendar year. It’s more likely Wilson will be out until January.

On breakdown day on May 15, Wilson called his injury “pretty significant” but didn’t want to say what the specific knee injury was. Wilson said he was unsure how it happened.

Wilson also said he tried to work his way back to play in the postseason but couldn’t. He and coach Laviolette spoke about the process the team was undergoing to get Wilson back on the ice.

Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said Wilson would not have been able to play in the playoffs no matter how far they team went. He said a decision on whether he would need surgery on his knee would be made in next couple days.

Wilson sustained the knee injury in the first period of Game 1 of their first round series with the Panthers and did not return to the game or the series. He played a total of 1:31 and three shifts for the series.

The Capitals did not specify when Wilson’s surgery took place.

By Jon Sorensen

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.
This entry was posted in News and tagged . Bookmark the permalink.

10 Responses to Tom Wilson Out 6-8 Months Following Knee Surgery To Reconstruct Torn ACL

  1. Anonymous says:

    Opening night roster is going to look very different.

    • Jon Sorensen says:

      Very true. If Backstrom is out (sounds like he will be) and the expected changes to come on the blueline, the team could have a fairly different look.

      • Anonymous says:

        It sounds like the Caps might need to do some Tampa Bay cap circumvention. Let Backstrom and Wilson sit on LTIR and load up in the off-season.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Get Well Willy!

  3. steven says:

    Sadto hear that but better to have it now than wait to try to heal over the summer. A diffferent look and probably the start of the much needed rebuild. Looking forward toseeing which young guys from Hrshey make the team in the fall!!

  4. Diane Doyle says:

    Can I say, “Damn it! Damn it!”? But best he takes care of it now.

  5. novafyre says:

    Tom, don’t rush it. Coming back at less than 100% is not going to help you or the Caps. You can still provide locker room support. You can help at practices, help the prospects. Don’t rush it.

  6. Lance says:

    Get well soon, Wils!

  7. Anonymous says:

    Tom wilson is a main key to that team….without him and backy……there….fucked…..ovechkin is now a puplic skating teacher on the ice…wtf……tom wilson as man…makes Me proud to be a canadian…..he.s what i call a true hockey player….how can ya not lov the guy……i aint gay…..but …..tom wilson is….the real deal….bar-nome

  8. Anonymous says:

    Sorry 4 all the spelling crap…..bar.none….mr.B

Leave a Reply to AnonymousCancel reply