Man of the week: Scott Wilson
KHL.ru continues its weekly column with Scott Wilson. The Salavat Yulaev’s forward has been on fire in the first-round series against Sibir, scoring six points in a single game and equaling Nikita Gusev’s record.
In Saturday’s Salavat Yulaev 8:2 win over Sibir, one player had a significant performance, netting a hat-trick and adding three helpers for six total points as the home team went up 2-0 in the series. It was the second time that a KHL player posted a six-point performance in the playoffs, the first for a Salavat Yulaev’s player, as Nikita Gusev scored one goal and added five assists in SKA’s 8:3, first-round home win over Dinamo Minsk in the 2022 KHL Gagarin Cup playoffs. This feat definitely boosted Salavat Yulaev’s game and Wilson’s success within the league.
Early years
Born on April 24, 1992, in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, Scott Wilson’s career began with the Oakville Rangers minor hockey program. Despite being overlooked in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection, Wilson’s play led him to the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), where he joined the Georgetown Raiders. During the 2009-2010 season, Wilson showcased his offensive prowess by tallying 24 goals and 43 assists, totaling 67 points in 56 games. His playoff performance was equally impressive, contributing nine goals and eight assists in just 11 games. The following season, he continued to excel, recording 20 goals and 41 assists in 42 games, which earned him a spot on Team Canada East for the World Junior A Challenge, where he netted two goals in the championship game, securing a silver medal for his team.
Wilson’s consistent performance caught the attention of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, leading to his enrollment in 2011. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, leading the River Hawks with 38 points (16 goals and 22 assists) in 37 games. His outstanding play earned him the Hockey East Rookie of the Year award and a unanimous selection to the All-Rookie Team. In his sophomore year, Wilson continued to be a key contributor, helping UMass Lowell secure their first-ever Frozen Four appearance and clinch the Hockey East Tournament Championship. Over his three-year collegiate career, he amassed 39 goals and 56 assists, totaling an impressive 95 points in 109 games.
Professional Transition
Wilson's collegiate success led to his selection by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the seventh round (209th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Penguins in April 2014, forgoing his senior year at UMass Lowell. Wilson made his NHL debut on Dec. 2, 2014, against the New Jersey Devils. During the 2016-2017 season, he became a regular in the Penguins’ lineup, contributing eight goals and 18 assists in 78 regular-season games. His efforts were instrumental in Pittsburgh’s Stanley Cup victory that year, making him one of the few UMass Lowell alumni to hoist the coveted trophy.
Following his tenure with Pittsburgh, Wilson had stints with the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres. While with the Sabres' AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, he continued to display his scoring touch, recording 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 games during the 2019-2020 season.
Journey to the KHL
After a productive 2021-2022 campaign with the Charlotte Checkers, Wilson opted for a move overseas for the 2022-2023 season, signing with Vityaz. He quickly adapted to the league’s style, tallying 20 goals and 19 assists across 66 regular-season games. The following season, he maintained his offensive prowess with 20 goals and 10 assists in 38 games.
In May 2024, Wilson inked a one-year deal with Metallurg. However, his stint with Metallurg was short-lived; by December 2024, after posting four goals and three assists in 30 games, he was traded to Salavat Yulaev Ufa. This move proved serendipitous for both Wilson and his new team.
Integrating seamlessly into Salavat Yulaev's lineup, Wilson’s impact was immediate. His recent six-point game, comprising a hat-trick and three assists, propelled the team to a 2-1 series lead against Sibir in the playoffs. This performance not only underscores his offensive capabilities but also highlights his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
In contrast, teammate Josh Leivo, despite his commendable playmaking with five assists in the same game, remains in pursuit of his inaugural playoff goal after beating Sergei Mozyakin’s record. As the playoffs progress, Wilson’s scoring touch will be key for the Ufa team.
