Tom Wilson's Advice To Capitals' Rising Talent? Enjoy The Ride: 'The Entire Journey Shapes Who You Are'
The Capitals alternate captain had some words of wisdom for the team's young up-and-comers.
ARLINGTON, V. A. — When Washington Capitals alternate captain Tom Wilson heard that Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson may room together next season, he quipped that they should probably hire a chef to make sure they have food in the house.
"Keep the fridge stocked," he joked. In reality, though, Wilson had some words of wisdom to share for the Capitals' rising talent, which also includes Ilya Protas among others, as they find their footing at the NHL level. And for Wilson, the biggest advice is to enjoy the moment.
"I wouldn't put too much pressure on yourself. I think the entire journey kind of shapes who you are, and you learn along the way," Wilson said. "Those guys don't have to figure out everything in one year.
You don't have to know it all. In your first season, you might feel like you know it all — I probably felt like I knew it all — but you learn a lot over the years. " After all, it wasn't too long ago that Wilson, now 32, was an up-and-comer in his own right, learning the ropes and transforming from a fourth-liner into a top power forward and leader in the Capitals locker room.