Tom Wilson
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Six Forward
STRENGTHS
Physicality: Wilson is one of the most vicious hitters in the sport. However, he isn’t a wrecking ball who runs at everyone in sight. Instead, he picks his spots and barrels into unsuspecting opponents with his 6’4”, 220-pound frame. Not everyone is a fan of his style, but he’s undeniably effective and disruptive.
Finish: He complements his brute force with surprising puck skills. He can convert on his opportunities at a solid clip, whether that’s with a quick shot from the slot, a greasy rebound, a deflection in traffic or even a nifty maneuver in tight. His scoring ability only further irritates the opposition.
Net-Front Presence: Even when he isn’t finishing, he’s quite useful in front of the net. With his size and work rate, he battles hard to set screens and create space for his linemates. His presence naturally commands attention, thus freeing others to slip into quiet areas for quality looks.
WEAKNESSES
Discipline: His aggressive approach brings with it a lack of discipline. He ranks near the top of list in minor penalties—whether that’s due to frustration, carelessness or even the occasional bout of laziness. He struggles to stay on the right side of the line.
Durability: He’s gotten banged up and missed time in recent years. With each injury, you start to wonder how long he can keep playing this way. His style relies heavily on tempo and physicality. If he loses a step or becomes less abrasive, he becomes a significantly less valuable piece.
