The name Tom Wilson used to be synonymous with fisticuffs and suspension-worthy hits in the NHL.
But over the last several seasons, the Washington Capitals forward has seen less and less of the penalty box while seeing his point totals rise consistently.
Wilson's 42 points (24 goals, 18 assists) through 55 games this season has him on pace for a career high (63). The next time he puts a puck in the net, he'll surpass the most he's ever scored in a season.
He's also only been in two fights and accrued just 50 penalty minutes this year, putting him on track for a career low (75).
"As I've played more minutes, the responsibility grows in this league," Wilson told Sportsnet's Scott Oake on "After Hours" in late January. "I just don't want to be sitting [in the penalty box] for that long."
Wilson was named a full-time alternate captain by Washington this season. He's worn the "A" patch on his sweater at times in years past but just as an injury replacement.
He's become a key component of the Capitals offense, logging a career-high in ice time this year (averaging 18:51 per game) and participates on the team's top power play unit. That's a far cry from his previous role as an enforcer.
"Obviously, there's a time and a place sticking up for teammates or a momentum changer in the game," Wilson continued. "I just want to be out there playing and having an effect on the game, finishing checks, making plays, and having an effect that way."
Wilson was last suspended in March 2024, a six-game ban for a high-sticking penalty, which was the first disciplinary action taken against him since 2021.
Some fans may not want to admit it, but Wilson is no longer the hockey villain his rough-and-tough reputation used to purport.
He leads the Capitals in power play goals (10) so far this year, a spot usually reserved for captain Alexander Ovechkin (six), and the team has found him invaluable to its overall success. Washington has recorded at least one standings point in all but one game in which Wilson has scored.
Wilson is a two-time NHL All-Star (2022, 2024) and has officially shed his renown as a pure bruiser. He's one of the league's top talents and would be a franchise-altering addition to any team, but Washington won't be giving up his services any time soon.
