Tom Wilson flattened Vancouver Canucks forward Filip Chytil with a huge, open-ice hit in Sunday afternoon’s Capitals-Canucks matchup. The hit, which took Chytil out of the game and temporarily landed Wilson in the penalty box, was plastered all over the hockey media landscape seconds after being made.
Given the injurious result of the play and the fact that a major penalty was initially called, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety reviewed Wilson’s hit after the game. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, they have agreed with the on-ice officials, and Wilson will receive no fine or suspension for the hit.
“In case anyone was wondering, there will be no supplementary discipline for this play,” Friedman tweeted. “Hopefully, Chytil is okay. He’s battled so many injuries.”
Chytil, who left the game and did not return, has a long history of concussions, dating back to his time with the New York Rangers.
Most recently, the 26-year-old Czech centerman missed the final 16 games of the 2024-25 season after suffering a concussion on a hit from Chicago Blackhawks forward Jason Dickinson. He also only played 10 games during the 2023-24 season after sustaining a concussion following a collision with Carolina Hurricanes forward Jesper Fast.
While any controversial play involving Wilson tends to bring an extra level of scrutiny due to his suspension history, the 31-year-old forward has avoided any supplemental discipline, specifically for a hit, since being suspended seven games during the 2020-21 season for boarding Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo.
“It looked like, from my first view, that it was a clean hit,” Canucks head coach Adam Foote said postgame. “I’ve got to look at it again. I mean, he’s a big guy. I liked the way our players didn’t get caught… in the trap after a hit like that, running after him and trying to get him. We have to get two points first. That other stuff takes care of itself later down the road, if it needs to be taken care of.”
Wilson played 18:15 of ice time in Washington’s 4-3 loss, recording two assists, one shot, and seven hits. He is currently the Capitals’ leading scorer with nine points (3g, 6a) in six games.
The Canucks and Capitals next play in Vancouver on January 21.
