There's a rumor that there's a deal to be made between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators that involves Tom Wilson. Let's debunk that trade talk.
On Monday, Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson found himself trending again on Twitter and in the throes of yet more trade speculation.
Former Ottawa Senators defenseman Jason York dropped a bombshell on his Coming In Hot podcast he co-hosts with former TSN broadcaster Brent Wallace, stating that the Capitals were interested in making a deal that would send Wilson to the Senators. He also added that Anthony Mantha was a name to watch.
With speculation and hysteria breaking out, there's a need to debunk the trade talk: right now, Wilson is not going anywhere.
General manager Brian MacLellan said on breakdown day that the team would like to keep Tom Wilson on board for the remainder of his career.
"I'd like for Tom to finish up in Washington. He's been a big part of our culture, our group," MacLellan said of the 28-year-old. "He's consistently gotten better throughout the years. We're going to do everything we can to sign him."
The feeling is mutual for Wilson, whose contract is up next year. He is eligible to sign an extension starting on July 1, and he indicated that he won't "play hardball" when it comes to putting pen to paper.
"Everyone knows I love it here, and I want to be here... I just can't imagine ever playing for another team. I don't want that to happen."
Despite these comments, further speculation broke out after the season following a report that the Los Angeles Kings kicked the tires on the 6-foot-4 forward.
In turn, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman provided an update on the rumors on 32 Thoughts and said that when he reached out to ask about Wilson's availability, he was "rejected" and told that any kind of deal was out of the question.
"I was told it's not happening; I was told the Capitals want to keep him and they consider him a big part of their future," Friedman said.
Trading Wilson would be detrimental to Washington, who realized just how important a piece he was when he was out for the majority of the year. The tough guy brings a physical aspect to the ice but also puts up top-tier numbers. Not only that, but he is a well-liked teammate and a vocal, respected leader in the dressing room.
With Alex Ovechkin expected to hang 'em up at the end of his contract in three seasons -- given he breaks Wayne Gretzky's record by then -- Wilson is likely next up for the role as captain.
And, with the team facing a likely rebuild down the road and looking to return to being a contender as soon as possible, Wilson will be a necessary piece of the puzzle when it comes to maintaining high standards, a positive culture and navigating the team's next generation.
So, when it comes to the Wilson trade talk, Capitals fans can breathe a sigh of relief. He's not going anywhere.