Washington Capitals 2016-17 Season Review: Tom Wilson
Tom Wilson proved to the Washington Capitals and himself that he is a useful NHL forward during the 2016-17 season.
Perhaps no Washington Capitals player has been more frustrating than Tom Wilson. It seems like he has all the potential in the world. From time to time, Wilson shows flashes of brilliance, suggesting he could be something more than just a bottom six forward.
However, usually shortly after he does that, he does something that makes you shake your head. Still, Wilson had a productive season for the Capitals in his own special way. This season, he proved he is a useful NHL forward. How useful Wilson can be is up for debate, however.
All stats, unless otherwise noted, are at even strength. Corsi and goals for numbers are adjusted. Stats courtesy of Hockey Analysis. Italics represent a career high.
2016-17 Stats
Boxcar
| Goals | Assists | Points | PP points | 5v5 points | Plus-minus | Penalty Minutes | Blocked Shots | Hits | TOI per game |
| 7 | 12 | 19 | 0 | 19 | +9 | 133 | 44 | 239 | 12:56 |
Rates
| 5v5 Goals/60 | 5v5 assists/60 | 5v5 primary assists/60 | 5v5 points/60 | 5v5 iCorsi/60 | PP goals/60 | PP assists/60 | PP points/60 |
| 0.41 | 0.83 | 0.28 | 1.24 | 10.22 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Possession
| CorsiFor% | Rel. CorsiFor60 | Rel. CorsiAgainst60 | Rel. CorsiFor% | GoalsFor% | Rel. GoalsFor60 | Rel. Goals Against60 | Rel. GoalsFor% |
| 51.3 | -3.14 | -5.55 | 1.2 | 61.2 | -0.37 | -0.20 | -0.5 |
The Good
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Wilson tied his career high in goals and set his career high in even strength goals per 60 minutes. He emerged as an above average defensive forward, setting a career high in plus-minus and posting the highest relative CorsiFor percentage at even strength of his career. Wilson suppressed shot attempts against despite facing some impressive competition.
He also emerged as one of the team’s top penalty killers. Wilson ranked fourth among Capitals forwards in shorthanded time. He wasn’t outstanding, but it’s certainly a step forward. Wilson carved out a niche in his game by improving his defense. He also set a career low for penalty minutes and continued to draw penalties at an impressive rate. Wilson scored three goals in the postseason after having a combined two points through his first 28 playoff games.
The Bad
Wilson’s problem remains his inability to create offense. Granted, he is used in a primarily defensive role. But you’d like to see Wilson add a little more offensively. Especially when he shows those flashes of brilliance. Also, Wilson still needs to cut down on the penalty minutes. The decrease to under two penalty minutes per game is something he can hang his hat on. But Wilson needs to be even better.
You’d like to see a first round pick become more than just a really good defensive forward. Wilson has the potential to be more, but at what point does his upside simply become a waste of talent?
Future
Wilson has proven he’s an NHL caliber forward. That’s a fact. Teams like physical forwards who can suppress shot attempts and kill penalties. Considering people were questioning Wilson’s NHL future after last season, this season is a step in the correct direction. But he needs to keep on taking more steps forward in his development. It’s crazy to think Wilson is just 23 years old.
Next: NHL Mock Expansion Draft
Discussion
Is he ready for a larger role? What line should Wilson be on next season? Should they have exposed him over Jay Beagle in the expansion draft? Discuss these questions, and more, in the comments.