The NHL’s Department of Player Safety just announced that Tom Wilson has been suspended four games for boarding St. Louis Blues forward Samuel Blais.
Wilson will be eligible to return to the Capitals lineup Friday, October 13, against the the New Jersey Devils.
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While Wilson explained that he was attempting to go around Blais and deliver a shoulder-to-shoulder hit, the Department of Player Safety noted that Wilson was never in position to make a legal hit, driving through Blais’ upper back into the boards.
After going his entire NHL career without being suspended, Wilson received supplemental discipline twice during the 2017 preseason. On top of today’s announcement, the Caps enforcer received a two-game ban for a late hit on Robert Thomas.
Wilson is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, will forfeit $97,560.96. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
During the 2016 preseason, Wilson was also fined $2,400 for kneeing Pittsburgh Penguins forward Conor Sheary. He also had a hearing in 2013 for charging Brayden Schenn – though he was not fined or suspended for the play.
