We're a little over a month away from the opening of NHL training camps, but Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals is already looking forward to 2023-24, especially when it comes to a rival team and their star acquisition.
Wilson recently appeared on TSN 1050 where he was asked about the Caps' biggest NHL rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and their recent blockbuster trade to bring in Norris Trophy-winning defenceman Erik Karlsson. Wilson gave Karlsson credit as an elite player, but added he's a rival now.
Wilson and Karlsson will get to know each other better as rivals almost instantly, as the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins will meet on October 13th, the NHL's first night of the new season. The Caps and Pens rivalry was established earlier, but really heated up when Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin arrived in the NHL. Wilson said it's still there.