The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has handed down a six-game suspension to Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson for a high stick on Toronto Maple Leafs forward Noah Gregor. This marks the sixth suspension of Wilson’s career, and it comes at a pivotal moment for the Capitals as they vie for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference wild-card race.
The incident occurred during Wednesday night’s game when Wilson, in an attempt to force a turnover, checked Gregor against the boards. In the ensuing separation, Wilson’s stick made contact with Gregor’s face, resulting in a double minor penalty for the Capitals’ forward. Despite Wilson’s immediate show of contrition, the NHL Player Safety ruled the action as “extremely reckless,” emphasizing that Wilson was “solely in control of his actions” and that the high stick was not a legitimate hockey play.
The ruling has sparked a range of reactions, considering Wilson’s history of suspensions and the impact his absence will have on the Capitals’ lineup. With 17 goals and 32 points in 66 games, Wilson’s contribution to the team’s offense is significant, and his loss is felt all the more acutely as the Capitals trail just three points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final wild-card spot.
Wilson’s history of disciplinary actions is extensive, with his most recent suspension prior to this incident being a seven-game penalty for boarding Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo in 2021. His longest suspension dates back to the 2018-19 preseason, where he received a 20-game suspension for an illegal hit to the head of Oskar Sundqvist, later reduced to 14 games upon appeal.
The financial repercussions for Wilson are substantial as well. The suspension will cost him $161,458.32, adding to a career total of over $1.4 million in salary lost due to suspensions and fines. This includes three fines and numerous warnings over his 11-year NHL career.
The Capitals, who are set to face the Red Wings in what could be a decisive game for their playoff hopes, will have to navigate the next six games without one of their key players. Wilson’s absence will be felt in matchups against formidable opponents, including the Red Wings, Toronto, Boston, and Buffalo, before he is eligible to return on April 4 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Capitals’ push for a playoff berth is now complicated by Tom Wilson’s suspension, highlighting the repercussions of on-ice behavior, especially for players with prior disciplinary problems. How the team navigates this obstacle may determine their season’s outcome, as they aim to clinch a postseason berth minus one of their key contributors.
