On Tuesday, Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan met with the media to introduce their new head coach, Todd Reirden. While confirming the returning coaching staff, and the likelihood of bringing back veteran defenseman Brooks Orpik, MacLellan also provided an update on where the Capitals currently stood with restricted free agent Tom Wilson – the team’s last remaining priority.
The Capitals extended a qualifying offer to Wilson, retaining his rights ahead of free agency, but discussions have continued with his representation.
Per NBC Sports Washington’s Tarik El-Bashir, MacLellan will be speaking to Wilson’s representation on Tuesday, and would like to see him back long-term.
“We’re talking to his people. I have a call scheduled with them today,” MacLellan said. It’s a big priority. Tom’s a big part of our team, a big part of what we got going and our playoff success. So, he’s number one right now. I would like [a] long-term [deal], but we’ll see what his representatives want to do. I’d prefer to keep him around as long as we can.”
Over the 2017-18 season, Wilson carved out a spot on the first line with Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov, notching career highs in points (35), goals (14), and assists (21). Wilson also received three separate suspensions for borderline hits, including two in the preseason and one in the playoffs.
Wilson’s agent, following the qualifying offer from the Capitals, was confident they would reach a long-term deal over the summer.
Tom Wilson has received his RFA qualifying offer from the #Capitals, his agent told me. There's confidence they'll reach a long-term deal over the summer.
— Adam Zielonka (@Adam_Zielonka) June 25, 2018
