Tom Wilson has been suspended for seven games for boarding Boston’s Brandon Carlo, the Department of Player Safety announced tonight. Seven games is one eighth of this abbreviated 56-game season (equivalent to 10.25 games in a regular 82-game season). Wilson also forfeits $311,781.61 in salary for the suspension under the CBA and based on his average annual salary; the money will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Here is the official release from the league:
And here is the video decision and explanation from the DoPS:
A key quote from the video: “While there are aspects of this hit that may skirt the line between suspendable and not suspendable, it is the totality of the circumstances that cause this play to merit supplemental discipline.”
Wilson has the right to appeal within 48 hours with the commissioner. Additionally, because the suspension is more than six games he has the right to appeal to an independent arbitrator after an appeal to the commissioner.
We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.