The Washington Capitals have been riding the waves just outside of the Eastern Conference Wild Card for some time now, currently sitting at 54 points with a record of 24-20-6, just four points back. Throughout this season, the Capitals have had some unlikely heroes come out of the woodwork to become some of their go-to offensive producers, like Ethan Frank, Ryan Leonard, and Justin Sourdif.
However, ever since Tom Wilson went down with a lower-body injury at the start of 2026, a critical time to make a move for the playoffs, it’s been evident that there is a key piece missing. Wilson is one of the best in the NHL when it comes to combining the physical aspects of hockey with clean offensive production.
The 31-year-old has been called a late bloomer by some, playing arguably his best hockey over the past two seasons. Wilson crushed his career high point total of 52 by notching 33 goals and 32 assists for 65 points last season and has been even better this season, sitting at a point per game with 22 goals and 20 assists for 42 points in 41 games so far this season.