Tom Wilson Suspended 6 Games For High Stick On Noah Gregor

The Capitals will be without the services of Tom Wilson until April 4 against the Penguins.

WASHINGTON — Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson has been suspended for six games for high sticking Noah Gregor in Wednesday's loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Wilson had an in-person hearing for his actions on Friday, resulting in the suspension. The lengthened suspension is due to the severity of the play, as well as the fact that he has a long history over his career with the NHL Department of Player Safety, including a 20-game suspension in 2018. Though he hasn't been suspended since 2021, his status as a repeat offender in the past didn't help his cause.

Back on Wednesday, Wilson was skating in the defensive zone and behind Gregor when he swung his stick forward, hitting Gregor in the face. Wilson received a double minor penalty on the play, and the Maple Leafs forward said that he suffered some broken teeth as a result of the play.

However, Gregor did say he doesn't think that the high stick was intentional.

"I think he felt pretty bad. I think it was obvious that he felt bad about what he did and kind of when he realized it got me," Gregor told reporters in Toronto. "I don't think he's trying to slash a guy in the face. I really don't think anyone in the league is ever trying to do that," Gregor said. "Probably a little reckless with the stick, and unfortunately got me, but it ended up being okay. I'm fine."

Wilson's suspension begins Friday, as he will miss his first game when the Capitals play host to Evgeny Kuznetsov and the Carolina Hurricanes. It's tough news for Washington, who has 14 games left on the regular season circuit and sits three points out of a playoff spot.

The 29-year-old is eligible to return on April 4 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He will forfeit $161,458.32, per the CBA. That money will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.