Capitals Sign Tom Wilson to Seven-Year Extension

The Washington Capitals extended Tom Wilson's contract through the 2030-31 season with a $6.5-million average annual value.

The Washington Capitals made a significant move on Friday, announcing they've re-signed winger Tom Wilson to a seven-year contract extension worth $6.5 million annually.

Wilson's new deal will begin in 2024-25 and last through the 2030-31 season. He currently has one year remaining on a six-year deal with the Capitals worth about $5.17 million per year before this new contract kicks in. His current deal has a seven-team no-trade list.

“Tom possesses all the intangibles needed to win in this league, and we are extremely pleased to sign him to a long-term contract, giving him the opportunity to finish his career in a Capitals’ uniform,” Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said in a news release. “Throughout his career, Tom has improved every facet of his game through his drive and competitiveness. We feel his work ethic and leadership qualities will be a tremendous asset to our organization for years to come.”

The 29-year-old only played 33 games in 2022-23 due to an injury, but Wilson put up the team's fifth-most goals with 13 and nine assists for 22 points. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound forward also dished out 97 hits, which ranked fourth among Capitals forwards.

Since the Capitals selected Wilson 16th overall in the 2012 NHL draft, the Toronto native has 128 goals and 167 assists for 295 points in 680 career NHL games. He also has 14 goals and 31 points in 83 career playoff contests, including 15 points in Washington's run to the Stanley Cup in 2017-18.

Wilson is a longtime physical presence for the Capitals. Since his first NHL season in 2013-14, Wilson leads the franchise in total hits, with 2,039, 148 checks more than Alex Ovechkin despite playing 66 fewer games. He also has the most blocks among Washington forwards since he entered the NHL, with 400.

That willingness to put the body on the line does come with risks, however. Wilson suffered a knee injury when trying to hit then-Florida Panthers defenseman MacKenzie Weegar in the 2022 playoffs, and he required surgery for a torn ACL. His first game of the 2022-23 season came on Jan. 8, but he also missed time between Jan. 24 and Feb. 18 with a small ankle fracture after blocking a shot.

Now under contract until he's 36 years old, the key for the Capitals and Wilson is to find a way to keep playing his power-forward style of hockey as sustainable as possible.