Tom Wilson Secures Travis Konecny’s Slot on Team Canada for 2026 Olympics
Tom Wilson’s impressive performance in the 2025-26 NHL season has positioned him as a contender for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, there is a strong possibility that Wilson will replace Travis Konecny on the Olympic roster.
Wilson Likely to Replace Konecny on Team Canada
Travis Konecny has participated in the 4 Nations Face-Off, contributing to Canada’s championship success. However, Wilson’s standout play has caught the attention of Team Canada’s decision-makers.
Roster Decisions and Key Players
- Team Canada will have two or three spots open from the 4 Nations roster.
- Other forwards in consideration include Macklin Celebrini, Bo Horvat, Nick Suzuki, Wyatt Johnston, Mark Scheifele, and Connor Bedard.
- General manager Doug Armstrong will lead meetings this weekend to finalize roster selections.
The goal is to have 70% of the roster determined ahead of the December 31 deadline, with only a few positions remaining open for debate. Wilson is expected to be in this competitive group of players.
Current Season Statistics
Wilson, a 31-year-old winger for the Washington Capitals, leads the NHL’s Eastern Conference with exceptional performance. In 28 games this season, he has netted 16 goals and amassed 30 points, indicating a trajectory towards a career-best of 47 goals and 88 points.
Konecny, on the other hand, has logged 22 points (6 goals, 16 assists) in 26 games for the Philadelphia Flyers this season. Size and physicality are crucial factors in the selection process for the Olympic team, especially as concerns arise regarding the playing surface in Italy.
Playing Conditions at the Olympics
One of the tournament’s assistant coaches, Pete DeBoer, noted that the ice surface in Italy might be smaller than standard NHL dimensions by three or four feet. This change could enhance the need for a physical forward, further favoring Wilson’s selection over Konecny.
Recently recognized as the NHL’s Third Star of the Week, Wilson has showcased strong performances in front of Hockey Canada officials, including Armstrong and head coach Jon Cooper. He stands alongside goaltender Logan Thompson and defenseman Jakob Chychrun as key players vying for final roster spots.
Olympic Timeline
The men’s ice hockey tournament kicks off with preliminary games on February 11, culminating in the gold-medal game on February 22. Canada previously won gold at the 2014 Sochi Games, which was the last Olympics featuring NHL players.
