*Photo from Stars and Sticks*
A longtime Capital has the chance to become a Capital lifer. The Washington Capitals and RW Tom Wilson have agreed to a 7 year, $45.5 million contract extension, according to an announcement by the Capitals on Friday.
Entering this season, one of the NHL's well known agitators will play out the final year of a 6 year deal signed before the 2018-2019 season. That deal pays him $5.1 million in base salary with a $1 million signing bonus for the season and has a 7 team no trade list.
Now, he gets a new contract to likely finish out his career with the Capitals. He has $23 million available in signing bonuses across all 7 years, dropping his base salary down to $900,000 for the last two years. The contract has a $6.5 million AAV and a modified no trade clause for all 7 years. The first 5 years are a 15 team no trade list, with the last 3 being a 10 team no trade list.
Last season, Wilson was limited in playing time due to missing long stretches of the year with injury. He put up 13 goals and 9 assists for 22 points, averaging 17:37 of ice time with a -13 rating in 33 games for the Capitals, who missed the playoffs.
The 2021-2022 season was full of bests for Wilson, who represented the Capitals at the All Star Game that year. He set single season highs in goals with 24, assists with 28, points with 52, average ice time per game with 18:35, and power play points with 10.
Capitals GM Brian McClellan said in a statement that "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. 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."
When Wilson's new contract kicks in when the 2024-2025 season begins, he'll become the 4th highest paid forward on the Capitals, trailing only Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Defenseman John Carlson is due $8 million annually through the 2025-2026 season.
Wilson has spent all 10 of his NHL seasons in a Capitals uniform as a former first round pick of the team. He has racked up 128 goals and 167 assists for 295 points, posting a +31 rating while averaging 14:37 of ice time over 680 regular season games. Wilson has an additional 14 goals and 17 assists in 83 playoff games.
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