The Capitals forward has been offered an in-person hearing for high-sticking Noah Gregor, which means his suspension could be longer than five games.
The Washington Capitals find themselves in a difficult position with 14 games left on the regular season circuit, as Tom Wilson has been offered an in-person hearing and faces a lengthy suspension for his high stick on Noah Gregor in Wednesday's 7-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Wilson's in-person hearing allows for at least a suspension of six games or more, and given the recklessness of the play and Wilson's history with the NHL Department of Player Safety and previous record — which includes a 20-game suspension in 2018 — it wouldn't be surprising if No. 43 is out of the mix for a good chunk of the final part of the 2023-24 regular season. However, it does help that he has not been suspended since 2021.
All the while, Washington is trying to claw its way back into the playoff race and sits three points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the second Wild Card spot.
Being without their top physical presence, a top-6 scorer and one of their leaders is far from ideal at this point in the season.
That being said, what's the plan going forward for Wilson and the Capitals?
Washington is back in action on Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes. Wilson’s in-person hearing is on Friday via Zoom, and it seems unlikely that he will be suiting up against Carolina.
As for the Capitals, they will likely have to make a recall with Wilson out of the picture, as right wings T.J. Oshie and Aliaksei Protas are nursing day-to-day injuries. Luckily for D.C., they are several options to consider when it comes to adding an extra forward, including the likes of prospect Ethen Frank.
Frank, who led the AHL's Hershey Bears with 30 goals last season to earn an NHL entry-level deal, has 22 goals and 14 assists for 36 points in 55 games so far this season. Head coach Spencer Carbery and general manager Brian MacLellan have alluded to Frank getting his chance, citing that he's doing all the right things to put himself on the radar.
Another option is Matthew Phillips, who started the season up in Washington and spent some time with the Pittsburgh Penguins after being waived before being re-claimed and assigned to the AHL a few weeks later.
DMV native Alex Limoges could also get a look at the highest level, and Pierrick Dubé, who earned a four-game recall in Feburary, could also come back up.
In the end, there's a lot for the Capitals to consider, and though losing Wilson is less than ideal, it could open a door and presents a major opportunity.