The Washington Capitals are in the hunt for a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, as they find themselves just one point behind the Detroit Red Wings in the standings heading into play on Thursday night. However, the Capitals may be getting dealt a pretty big blow in the form of a potential suspension for Tom Wilson.

Washington suffered a 7-3 loss at the hands of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night, and along the way, Wilson delivered a brutal high stick to Noah Gregor that earned him a double minor in the game. The NHL Department of Player Safety clearly isn't too happy with the play, as they offered Wilson an in-person hearing, which means that he can be suspended for six or more games as a result of the hit.

Via Chris Johnston:

“Tom Wilson has been offered an in-person hearing from the NHL Department of Player Safety for his high-stick on Noah Gregor, which means he can be suspended six games or more. Wilson obviously has a lengthy past file of transgressions.”

Capitals would miss Tom Wilson for however long he's suspended

Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) during the face off against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Article Continues Below
More Capitals News
Alex Ovechkin, Anthony Beauvillier, and Spencer Carbery with a Caps logo, capitals free agency, free agent, nhl free agent
Capitals’ dream scenario in 2025 NHL Free AgencyBryan Logan ·
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) kneels on the ice watching his teammates during warm-ups before a game against the Montreal Canadiens in game four of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre.
Capitals say email revealing 2025-26 will be Alex Ovechkin’s last season isn’t trueQuinn Allen ·
Yanni Gourde in a florida panthers jersey with the florida panthers logo. Question marks around him. NHL Free Agency, Lightning, Free Agent, Yanni Gourde
3 best Yanni Gourde destinations in 2025 NHL free agencyBryan Logan ·
Evgenii Dadonov in the center, dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, and washington Capitals logos around him. NHL free agenecy, free agent, Dallas Stars, Dadonov
3 best Evgenii Dadonov destinations in 2025 NHL free agencyBryan Logan ·
Andrew Mangiapane in the center with the Islanders, Predators, and Blue Jackets logo aroind him, Andrew Magipane, NHL Free agency, free agent, washington capitals
3 best Andrew Mangiapane destinations in 2025 NHL free agencyBryan Logan ·
Washington Capitals GM Chris Patrick in middle, a silhouetted Washington Capitals player on each side (no C or A on jersey), hockey rink in background
3 Capitals trade candidates after Hurricanes series lossColin Gallant ·

By now, Wilson's reputation as a dirty player is known across the NHL, and his latest incident surely won't be changing that anytime soon. Wilson smoked Gregor in the face with his stick on a play they aren't exactly involved in, and it's not a very big surprise that the league could opt to levy a harsh suspension on Wilson considering all of his prior transgressions.

Losing Wilson for an extended period of time would obviously hurt the Capitals, as he's one of their top producers on offense. Wilson has racked up 17 goals and 15 assists on the season, and he's looking to get back in the 20-goal club after only scoring 13 last season over 33 games with Washington.

However, this in-person hearing indicates that a lengthy suspension is likely coming Wilson's way, and it will be interesting to see what the final punishment levied by the league ends up being. Wilson has already been suspended by the league five times throughout his career, so that could factor into him landing a harsher punishment for his latest brutal hit.

The Capitals will be keeping an eye on Wilson's status to see how long he is forced to miss, and it's clear that his absence will be a big blow for his team as they try to fight for a spot in the playoffs. Amid his absence, it's going to be vital for Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome to shoulder an even bigger load than they have been bearing this season. But if Washington wants to sneak their way into the playoffs, they are going to have to find a way to get by without Wilson for however long he ends up missing.