The Tom Wilson extension may have an effect on which team chooses to make a deal with the Montreal Canadiens for Max Pacioretty.
The Washington Capitals became the latest team to deal with their remaining restricted free agents. Tom Wilson was the final one, and he ended up getting paid big time. The reigning Stanley Cup Champions chose to sign Wilson to a six-year $31 million contract. It’s a bittersweet moment Caps fans but can also play into the future dealings involving the Montreal Canadiens and Max Pacioretty.
Wilson is a power forward that plays with a lot of snarl. He also has displayed the ability to score goals, but not at the amount, or pace for that matter, of a $5 million player. The 2012 first-round pick set a career high in goals and points this past season with 14 goals and 21 assists in 78 games. Wilson also added 15 points for Washington in the playoffs.
On the more negative side of things, the 24-year-old’s aggressive play sometimes sees him on the wrong side of hits that warrant a talk with NHL Player Safety.
More from A Winning Habit
- Montreal Canadiens: Biggest Questions Going Into 2023-24
- Montreal Canadiens: Quentin Miller’s Poise And Confidence Fuel His Game
- Montreal Canadiens: Laval Rocket Top Defence Pair Could Be Set
- Montreal Canadiens: Worst Move Of The Pierre Gauthier Era
- Montreal Canadiens: Could Casey DeSmith End Up In Colorado?
There are obviously other aspects of Wilson that Washington favoured and wanted to keep around. However, that cap hit is higher than a lot of people expected. But when you win the Stanley Cup, nothing else matters.
All joking aside, Wilson’s contract could play a role in the future dealings around Pacioretty (it also makes Brendan Gallagher‘s $3.75 million AAV look amazing). The 29-year-old is entering the final year of a very team friendly contract at $4.5 million per season.
The team who gives up the assets to acquire Pacioretty would most likely want to keep him around long-term. If the sniper making around $8-9 million was a stretch before, Wilson making $5.16 million justifies it. Evander Kane‘s $7 million AAV with the San Jose Sharks helps Pacioretty’s case as well.
Granted, a team may only worry about getting Pacioretty on their roster and not what will happen at the end of the season. But if his long-term longevity is in question, his next deal is something that should be kept in mind, and Wilson’s new deal in some ways will be a factor.
In Case You Missed It
Jesperi Kotkaniemi no longer going to the showcase
Team Finland will be without Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Jesse Ylonen who won’t be taking part in the World Junior Summer Showcase this weekend.
Max Pacioretty trade talk, Kotkaniemi buzz, and RFAs
Our first roundtable at A Winning Habit where we discuss the Pacioretty trade situation, who stood out among the Habs 2018 Draft class, and the remaining RFAs to sign.
2018 offseason summary (so far)
A quick brush up on what the Montreal Canadiens have done this offseason before the calendars turn to August.
Player ratings for NHL 19 released
The beta for NHL 19 is out and the Habs player ratings came with it.
Morning Links
From Carey Price's Instagram account - a little summer downtime with Shea Weber and Jeff Petry. #Habs pic.twitter.com/D5ND5mXJU1
— Eyes On The Prize (@HabsEOTP) July 27, 2018
The Montreal Canadiens have preached transparency and there are several ways to further improve the communication between management and the fans.
Huge thanks to former @WHLHitmen Karl Alzner for popping by the clinic for a quick donation. The @CanadiensMTL defenceman had no problem rolling up his sleeve for a good cause. Every donation counts and helps save a life! @HC_WJC pic.twitter.com/dOHzmvT5CL
— Hockey Gives Blood (@hkygivesblood) July 26, 2018
Summer celebration in Kelowna (NHL)
Carey Price and his wife Angela are hosting an event to raise money for the Breakfast Club of Canada.