Capitals’ Tom Wilson Shares Strangest Autograph Requests He’s Gotten

Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson is no stranger to the spotlight. He is a fan favorite and has been since emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the District. And with that fandom and fame has come several hours of Wilson signing autographs, whether it be at fan events or in public.

Wilson is more than happy to give back and ink items for fans, and he loves to make a positive impact in the community and share his love of the game. However, he did admit that there have been some strange autograph requests over the course of his nine-year NHL career.

“It’s always weird when people ask you to like, sign human skin, you know?” Wilson told WHN near the end of the 2021-22 campaign. “You know, I mean a forehead or an arm. You’re always kind of hesitant.”

No. 43 does his due diligence though before signing, to make sure that’s really what the fan wants.

“If a little kid comes up and is like, ‘Sign my forehead,’ you’re like, ‘Do your parents know about that? Because it’s Sharpie, it doesn’t come off too easy,'” Wilson laughed.

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Wilson added that he’s gotten requests for pretty much everything, beyond just the simple jersey or puck autograph requests. However, he won’t go too far.

“If you think of pretty much anything, I’ve had it all,” Wilson added. “There are times where you kind of have to politely say, ‘You know, that’s not appropriate,’ or, ‘Sorry, maybe something else,’ but that’s kind of the gist of it.”

The 28-year-old is coming off a career year that saw him dish 24 goals and 28 assists for 52 points in 78 games. He also earned a trip to the 2022 NHL All-Star Weekend, where he not only signed autographs and got to spend time with fans but also saw the flip side, where he received boos at T-Mobile Arena. However, Wilson loved it — and welcomed it — saying it was all in good fun and great for the game.

Wilson will miss the start of the 2022-23 campaign as he recovers from a torn ACL. He underwent surgery to repair the injury in his left knee back in June. The Capitals expect him to return at some point in December.