Washington Capitals Grades: Tom Wilson 2021 Report Card
We are now deep into the phase of handing out grades this offseason for players who contributed on the Washington Capitals. Next on the list is none other then right wing Tom Wilson.
Wilson, 27, entered his eighth season with the Capitals in 2020-21. During those eight seasons, Wilson has been known around the league as a player who will take a shot for the team.
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In March, Wilson found himself suspended for seven games for boarding Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo. Suspensions are not surprising for a player like Wilson. He has been suspended five times throughout his career.
Wilson was also fined $5,000 in May for repeatedly punching New York Rangers forward Pavel Buchnevich. Many believed the actions of Wilson warranted another suspension, but the league saw it differently.
When Wilson was not in the headlines for controversial plays, he contributed as a star player for the team.
In a season that was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson found himself playing in 47 of the 56 games. In the 47 games he played in, Wilson found the net 13 times, scored 33 points and 20 assists.
One stat that Wilson would like to change is penalties in minutes. Wilson led all of NHL last season by a wide margin. He sat in the penalty box for a combined 96 minutes. The next person on the list had 75 minutes.
Whether you love or hate Wilson, it is hard to argue against what he brings to the ice. He brings a spark to the Capitals that few players outside of Alex Ovechkin are able to do.
More. Washington Capitals: T.J. Oshie is easily 2021 MVP. light
Grade: C+: Overall, Wilson played good when he was on the ice. What hurt Wilson’s grade was he continually found himself either suspended or fined for controversial hits. Despite that, he is still a valuable player for the Capitals. Washington is lucky to have him.