(Caps Outsider)
The Capitals have announced they have re-signed Tom Wilson to a six-year $31.02 million contract that will carry a salary cap hit of $5.17 million.
Wilson became the offensive weapon the Caps were hoping he would be when he was drafted 16th overall in 2012, scoring 35 points in 78 games and 15 in 21 playoff games this past season. However, Wilson has struggled to produce when he is not on the first line with Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov.
In addition, Wilson’s physicality sometimes crosses the line in the eyes of the NHL Department of Player Safety, resulting in fines and suspensions, including a three-game suspension during the second round of the playoffs this year.
However, it is that physicality that makes Wilson the unique player he is and why he is such a good compliment to Ovechkin and Kuznetsov.
Wilson has also taken great strides defensively and has become a mainstay on the team’s penalty kill and averaging just under 16:00 minutes per game, the fifth most amongst forwards and tenth most on the team, according to NHL.com
The Caps are now brining back all six defenseman and 11 of 12 forwards from their Stanley Cup Championship run.
6 more years in DC!! Love this team and love this city. Beyond excited to stay a part of the Capitals family!
— Tom Wilson (@tom_wilso) July 28, 2018
