Fantucchio’s Focus: Capitals Extend Tom Wilson; Jake Guentzel to Miss Start of Year

Good morning. My name is Andrew Fantucchio. It is Saturday, August 5, and here’s what I’m focused on around the NHL today.

Capitals Extend Tom Wilson:

Tom Wilson has been the bane of the rest of the NHL’s existence while being a fixture in the Washington Capitals lineup for the last decade. It looks as if that will continue for the next seven years after Wilson and the Caps agreed to a contract extension on Thursday.

PAYDAY! Capitals Extend Tom Wilson, 7 Years & Big Money

Jake Guentzel to Miss Start of Season For Penguins:

As they enter a playoffs-or-bust season, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be without their leading goal-scorer from a last year after Jake Guentzel underwent ankle surgery on Thursday. The 28-year-old is likely to miss the start of the regular season and is scheduled to be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.

Guentzel Has Ankle Surgery, Likely to Miss Start of Season

Clarity on Potential Karlsson Trade Soon To Come:

The biggest question in the NHL this offseason hasn’t been if the San Jose Sharks will trade defenseman Erik Karlsson but when. We may have our answer soon.

REPORT: ‘Clarity’ on Karlsson Trade Close?

More From National Hockey Now:

National: Check out the latest edition of National Hockey Now’s official podcast! This week, Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy sits down with Boston Bruins radio play-by-play announcer Dave Goucher.