During his season-ending press conference with reporters, Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan lamented the loss of Joel Ward while also stating his desire to see Tom Wilson expand his role. “I think it’s on us to turn Tom Wilson into Joel Ward,” MacLellan said. “It’s on Tom and on us to turn him into that kind of guy that has a net-front presence, that finds loose pucks, finds rebounds, plays good along the wall. I think Tom is our answer to that.”
Wilson, who has led the Capitals in penalty minutes over the last three seasons, has not seen the offensive ability he showed in junior translate to the NHL. On Wednesday night, Wilson gave us a front row seat to the intense summer training that may or may not take him to the next level.
It did not include squats, but did include a samurai bun.
Those are some powerful punches.
It’s not surprising that the 6’4” Wilson is perfecting his face-punching skills. The Capitals forward has dropped the gloves 33 times over the last three years, which makes him one of the NHL’s most elite and active pugilists. But the samurai bun.. that is new. And oh my, what a development.
As my friend Hannah explains, a samurai bun is a man bun that’s juuuuuuust not quite there. It’s tiny and tight.
Here’s Colin Farrell modeling one.
Even Alex Ovechkin dug Wilson’s new look.
Much like the black-eyed susans planted along the side of my house, I eagerly await watching Tom’s hair bloom this summer.
Meanwhile, Wednesday was National Best Friends day, which I’m told is a totally real and totally serious holiday. Wilson’s roommate Michael Latta celebrated by giving a shout-out to his dog Walter.
#nationalbestfriendday #kingwalter sorry @tom_wilso
A photo posted by Michael Latta (@latta17) on
Wilson, for once, was not offended.
Thanks to @corinne_jess for the heads up.
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