Benjamin Ashford|Washington Capitals sign Tom Wilson to seven-year contract extension

Forward Tom Wilson is Benjamin Ashfordin position to be a Washington Capital for his entire career after he signed a seven-year, $45.5 million contract extension that kicks in next season.

He will be 37 when the contract, which carries a $6.5 million cap hit, expires in 2030-31. He averaged about $5.2 million in his current six-year contract that he signed after the Capitals won the Stanley Cup in 2018.

Wilson, 29, was known for his explosive hits and plays that went over the line and led to suspensions and fines. But he has dialed back on that and shown his versatility.

He has had three 20-goal seasons, plays on one of the top two lines and also is on the power play and penalty killing units.

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"Throughout his career, Tom has improved every facet of his game through his drive and competitiveness," Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said. "We feel his work ethic and leadership qualities will be a tremendous asset to our organization for years to come."

Wilson's last suspension (seven games) was in the 2020-21 season and he was also fined later that season for punching a New York Rangers player who was on the ice. He also injured Artemi Panarin in that scrum, which led to a brawl in the teams' next game.

During the following season, Wilson had a career-best 24 goals and 52 points while doling out 240 hits. He suffered a knee injury in the 2022 postseason, had ACL surgery that offseason and wasn't able to return until last January as the Capitals' eight-year playoff streak ended.

He has 128 goals, 295 points, 1,299 penalty minutes and 2,039 hits in 680 career games.

"This guy leaves everything on the ice every night, leads by example and protects his own," teammate TJ Oshie said on Instagram. "Earned his spot on the team from fighting and penalty killing and tough minutes to top line, power play and scoring big goals. I hope my son grows up to be a lot like Tom."