Tom Wilson to Have In-Person Zoom Hearing for Hit on Brandon Carlo

By J.J. Regan •

Why it matters that Tom Wilson will have in-person Zoom hearing originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

Tom Wilson will get an in-person Zoom hearing for his hit on Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Saturday.The date and time of the hearing have not yet been set.

Wilson hit's came at the end of the first period of Friday's game between the Capitals and Bruins. He did not receive a penalty on the play.

We're making it easier for you to find stories that matter with our new newsletter — The 4Front. Sign up here and get news that is important for you to your inbox.

The DoPS labeled the play as "boarding" rather than an illegal check to the head. This falls under Rule 41.1 which states:

A boarding penalty shall be imposed on any player who checks or pushes a defenseless opponent in such a manner that causes the opponent to hit or impact the boards violently or dangerously. ... The onus is on the player applying the check to ensure his opponent is not in a defenseless position and if so, he must avoid or minimize contact. However, in determining whether such contact could have been avoided, the circumstances of the check, including whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the check or whether the check was unavoidable can be considered.

NHL Rule 41.1

You may find it weird that the hearing is being called an "in-person hearing via Zoom" but this is significant. By making the hearing in-person, the DoPS has the option of suspending Wilson for six games or more.

Had the hearing been done over the phone, he could only be suspended for a maximum of five games. The fact he is being given an in-person hearing means he is facing a significant suspension. It does not guarantee he will be suspended for over five games, it just gives the DoPS the option.

Wilson has been suspended four times in his career, but his last suspension came at the beginning of the 2018 season when he was suspended 14 games (reduced from 20) for a hit to the head of Oskar Sudnqvist. He therefore technically falls outside the repeat offender window of 18 months, but that only applies to salary forfeited. To think his past history would not be considered when it comes to the length of a possible suspension would not be accurate.

Copyright RSN
Local Northern Virginia Prince George's County Subscribe to The 4Front Weather Changing Climate See It, Share It Videos Investigations Consumer Submit a tip The Scene Subscribe to The Weekend Scene Entertainment News 4 Your Home U.S. & World Money Report Politics Health Changing Minds
About NBC4 Washington Our news standards Our apps Submit photos and video Submit a consumer complaint Take our survey Promotions Newsletters Cozi TV
Contact Us