MILAN, Italy — As the 2026 Winter Olympics officially get underway, Washington Capitals powerhouse Tom Wilson has emerged as the focal point of Team Canada’s offensive strategy. In a move that has sparked significant conversation across the hockey world, head coach Jon Cooper has deployed the 31-year-old Toronto native on the nation’s top line alongside superstars Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini.
Wilson, who arrived in Milan this week following a strong NHL campaign, is being utilized as the “ultimate puck-winner” for Canada’s elite skill players. Analysts have compared his role to that of Zach Hyman in Edmonton, providing a physical presence and net-front disruption to create space for McDavid’s speed and Celebrini’s playmaking.
Olympic Role and Line Combinations
During the first official practices at the Milan Cortina games, the Canadian coaching staff solidified a top-six that balances veteran grit with generational talent. While Sidney Crosby anchors his own veteran unit, Wilson’s inclusion on the first line signifies a shift toward “heavy” hockey on the international stage.
| Line Position | Player | NHL Team |
|---|---|---|
| Left Wing | Macklin Celebrini | San Jose Sharks |
| Centre | Connor McDavid | Edmonton Oilers |
| Right Wing | Tom Wilson | Washington Capitals |
“I’ve played against Macklin and Connor a lot and it’s not fun,” Wilson told reporters in Milan on 11 February 2026. “Playing with them is a lot more fun. They’re so good with the puck, my job is just to get it to them and get to the hard areas.”
2025-26 NHL Season Performance
Wilson’s Olympic selection follows a resurgent season with the Washington Capitals. Before the Olympic break, the 6’4″ winger recorded 23 goals and 49 points in 50 games. Despite a brief stint on the injured reserve with a lower-body injury earlier this year, Wilson returned to form quickly, netting seven points in his final nine NHL contests before departing for Italy.
His statistical profile heading into the games remains one of the most unique in the league:
- Physicality: 132 hits and 78 penalty minutes in 50 games.
- Efficiency: A plus-20 rating, reflecting his evolution into a reliable two-way forward.
- Experience: A 2018 Stanley Cup champion with over 700 games of NHL experience.
Off-Ice Notes
In a lighthearted development from the Olympic Village, Wilson is reportedly rooming with former Capitals teammate and current Team Canada goaltender Darcy Kuemper. The two veterans are expected to provide leadership for a roster that features several Olympic debutants, including the 19-year-old Celebrini.
While the hockey world focuses on the ice, the “other” famous Canadian Tom Wilson—the Juno-winning musician and artist known as Tehoháhake—also made headlines this week with the release of his new single, “We Live In Dreams,” co-written with Tanya Talaga. The Lead Editor reminds readers that while both share a name and a reputation for “heavy hitting” in their respective fields, only one is currently chasing gold in Milan.
Reporting by Canada Wire Sports Desk. Current Date: 12 February 2026.