Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson has been suspended six games by the NHL for high-sticking Toronto Maple Leafs forward Noah Gregor during Wednesday’s game at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
The incident took place at the 12:15 mark of the third period in the Maple Leafs’ 7-3 win. Wilson ended up receiving a double-minor penalty after he swung his stick into the face of Gregor.
Wilson was offered an in-person hearing related to the hit. If a player is offered an in-person hearing, that means that the play could require a suspension of at least six games.
This certainly isn’t the first time that Wilson has been in a bit of hot water with the NHL. Since breaking into the league in 2013, Wilson has been suspended five times. The veteran forward was suspended three times during the 2017-18 season alone, including being banned three games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Wilson was also suspended 20 games during the 2018 preseason for a hit on St. Louis blues forward Oskar Sundqvist. The suspension was eventually knocked down to 14 games, but it was the last time he had been in trouble with the league up until this week.
Wilson has racked up 17 goals and 15 assists in 66 games this year, and he also appeared in the 2024 NHL All-Star Game. Throughout his career, the Capitals winger has tallied 327 points (145 goals, 182 assists), while also recording 31 points (14 goals, 17 assists) in 31 career postseason contests.
The suspension is a big deal considering the Capitals are battling for one of the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. Washington currently is one point behind the Detroit Red Wings for the East’s final Wild Card spot, while trailing the Philadelphia Flyers by three points for the final Metropolitan Division playoff spot.
The NHL has handed down a six-game suspension to Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson for a high-sticking incident involving Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward Noah Gregor. The incident occurred during a game between the two teams on Tuesday night, when Wilson delivered a high stick to Gregor’s face in the third period.
The league’s Department of Player Safety reviewed the play and determined that Wilson’s actions were in violation of Rule 60.1, which states that any player who deliberately strikes an opponent with his stick will be assessed a match penalty. In this case, Wilson’s high stick was deemed to be intentional and resulted in injury to Gregor, who was forced to leave the game and did not return.
This is not the first time Wilson has been disciplined by the league for on-ice incidents. The 27-year-old has a history of suspensions and fines for various infractions, including illegal hits and dangerous plays. In fact, this latest suspension marks the fifth time in Wilson’s career that he has been suspended for six or more games.
The Capitals have issued a statement in response to Wilson’s suspension, expressing disappointment in the league’s decision but accepting the punishment. Wilson himself has also released a statement, apologizing to Gregor and acknowledging that his actions were unacceptable.
While Wilson is known for his physical style of play and aggressive on-ice demeanor, it is clear that the league is taking a firm stance against dangerous plays that put other players at risk. The six-game suspension serves as a reminder to all players that there are consequences for crossing the line and endangering the safety of their opponents.
As for Gregor, he is expected to make a full recovery from the injury sustained in the incident. The Maple Leafs have not commented on the suspension, but it is likely that they are relieved to see the league taking action to protect their players from dangerous plays like the one committed by Wilson.
Overall, this incident serves as a cautionary tale for players at all levels of hockey to play the game with respect and sportsmanship, and to always prioritize the safety of their opponents. The NHL’s decision to suspend Wilson for six games sends a clear message that dangerous plays will not be tolerated, and that players who engage in such behavior will face serious consequences.
