Japers' Rink · Oct 25, 2018
Why the NHL Upheld Tom Wilson’s 20-Game Suspension
Almost a month ago, in the Washington Capitals’ final preseason game, Tom Wilson delivered a crushing hit on St. Louis Blue forward Oskar Sundqvist, who was injured on the play. Wilson was ejected from the game by the referees, receiving a match penalty for an illegal check to the head.
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety dropped the hammer on Wilson, who has a long history of run-ins with the DPS and is considered a “repeat offender.” The NHL Players Association appealed the suspension on Wilson’s behalf, arguing that he should only miss eight games.
Now the wait is over. And it’s bad news for the Capitals’ 24-year-old part-time wrecking ball.