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Should the Penguins Target Tom Wilson at the Deadline?
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Should the Penguins Target Tom Wilson at the Deadline?

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Penguins
By Nick Horwat  |  Last updated 3/1/23

With the NHL trade deadline within 48 hours, and many of the biggest pieces already moved, teams are going to have to get creative, and that includes the Pittsburgh Penguins.

One of the biggest gripes fans have had against the Penguins this season is their lack of toughness.

Josh Archibald and Jason Zucker have been filling roles nicely as grinders, but they don’t exactly move the needle in the toughness department.

One name has popped up multiple times and while it might be the stuff of nighmares for Penguins fans, he would certainly fill the ‘tough guy’ role.

Tom Wilson’s name has been tossed around, and while nothing is certain, the Washington Capitals seem to be dismantling different areas of their team.

Dmitry Orlov, Lars Eller, and Marcus Johansson have all been traded away from Washington, and could Wilson be next on the block?

Penguins fans are well aware of who Wilson is; he’s a tough guy who has a knack for taking cheap shots.

Wilson does have a scoring touch, however, and Capitals fans will let you know about it.

While Wilson hasn’t played much this season due to injury, he is coming off of a career high 52-point (24G-28A) season.

So far through 13 games this year, Wilson has recorded five goals and two assists for seven points.

Wilson fits the mold that their front office might have a lot of interest in; a scrappy guy who knows how to play offensive hockey.

A former member of the Penguins has gone as far to say Ron Hextall should sell off a first round pick to acquire Wilson.

It’s not exactly known if the Capitals are even willing to part ways with Wilson, but they already seem to be selling.

Wilson has one season left on his contract after 2022-23 and holds a cap hit of $5.166 million.

Wilson might be one of Pittsburgh’s most hated athletes, but you have to put bias aside and see what kind of player he is.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Penguins and was syndicated with permission.

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