Tom Wilson Reflects On 'One Of Craziest' Years Yet With Capitals, Proud Of Growth & Expanded Role: 'It Was A Learning Experience'

ARLINGTON, V.A. — For Tom Wilson, the 2023-24 campaign with the Washington Capitals had a little bit of everything: A broken nose. A second NHL All-Star appearance. A nasty high stick that left behind a still-visible scar. And most importantly, growth.

For Wilson, the roller coaster of his 11th season in the NHL was one he'll remember as one of the "craziest of my career."

"There was tons of ups and downs on and off the ice, and it was a learning experience for me as well," Wilson said. "You got a new head coach, a young head coach, and you got a bunch of young guys coming into the team. You've got a guy that you look up to like (Nicklas Backstrom), who right away is gone. And then, you know, your role expands a little bit."

Following Backstrom's departure, Wilson replaced him as one of the team's three alternate captains and was relied upon to be a louder voice in the room and help fill the void left behind by No. 19.

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Washington's roster took notice of Wilson, who stepped into his new position with ease.

"I think since day one when he came to the league, he show his leadership on the ice and off the ice," captain Alex Ovechkin said. "He's always in team-wise, how I said, on the ice and off the ice. He support this organization, he's a leader and probably future captain, as well."

Not only that, but the team looked to Wilson to provide offense and a much-needed spark, while relying on him to take on big minutes and play a utility role to boot.

Through 74 regular-season games, the 29-year-old had 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points, along with 133 penalty minutes. In the playoffs, he led the team in scoring with three points in four games against the New York Rangers. He did have one run-in with the NHL Department of Player Safety, which led to a six-game suspension.

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Ultimately, looking back, Wilson said he felt that he and the rest of his team grew up quite a bit.

"I really am proud of where our group got to by the end of the year, just the culture and the guys in the room," Wilson said. "I think there was an accountability and just an inner drive to look at the guy next to you and just a genuine feeling that you could depend on him and that you wanted to play and battle for him.

"We found a way to come together and win big games and beat really good teams, and that just shows the quality of the people in the room and guys growing up, guys maturing, changing roles and gaining more experience. All that is really important, so it's a year I'll always look back at as one of the probably craziest of my career."