Wilson learns expensive lesson

Winger facing 20-game ban says he has to ‘be smart out there’ and ‘play within the rules’

Tom Wilson took a seat at his dressing room stall at the Washington Capitals’ practice facility, quietly relishing one of the only things about his routine that feels normal nowadays, sharing the ice with teammates on off days.

Even the team’s short road trips are agonizing because he’s not on them. Off the ice, he’s suddenly in constant contact with lawyers as he prepares to appeal his 20-game suspension from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Thursday with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

Wilson is less than two weeks into his suspension, and pending the appeal, he still has more than a month to go, not eligible to play again until Nov. 21 after his illegal check to the head of St. Louis Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist. Sundqvist is on injured reserve with a concussion and a shoulder injury.

A successful appeal could have significant financial ramifications. Wilson forfeited roughly US$1.2 million as part of the suspension, based on his contract’s average annual value of US$5.17 million, and while he received a signing bonus of US$5 million, his actual salary this season is US$1.1 million. Unless the suspension is reduced, he won’t see another paycheque the rest of the season.

Whenever he does get back into the lineup, he’ll continue to be under a player-safety microscope. Wilson’s 20-game ban was so severe because it was his fourth suspension in his past 105 games, dating back to last pre-season.

Speaking to reporters since his suspension was announced, Wilson said he knows he might have to make significant changes to his game.

“The hitting aspect of the game is definitely changing a little bit, and I’ve got to be smart out there and I’ve got to play within the rules,” he said. “I’ve got to change something because obviously it’s not good to be out and not helping your team.” — The Washington Post

I’ve got to change something because obviously it’s not good to be out and not helping your team.”

Capitals forward Tom Wilson

— BILL SIKES/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Washington Capitals right winger Tom Wilson admits he has to change his on-ice play — once he returns from his 20-game suspension.