Tom Wilson Emerges as Breakout Star for Team Canada at Olympics

Washington Capitals forward praised by coach Jon Cooper for his grit and leadership

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Team Canada's undefeated run at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics has been fueled in part by the play of Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson, who has emerged as a key contributor for the squad despite the star power of players like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. Coach Jon Cooper has singled out Wilson's physicality, leadership, and team-first mentality as crucial to Canada's success so far.

Why it matters

Wilson's breakout performance at the Olympics could raise his profile even further, both in the NHL with the Capitals and potentially on the international stage for future Canadian national team rosters. His ability to play a physical, defensive role while supporting the team's elite offensive talents is a valuable asset that could translate to NHL success as well.

The details

Wilson has embraced his role as an enforcer and physical presence for Team Canada, standing up for teammates and providing the "glue" that has helped the squad gel despite the star power. He has taken penalties to cool down his skilled linemates, and his grit and passion on the ice have caught the attention of coach Jon Cooper, who praised Wilson's outstanding play and leadership in the locker room.

  • Team Canada has not experienced a single loss at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics so far.
  • The Canadian squad has scored 10 goals in a game during the tournament.

The players

Tom Wilson

A forward for the Washington Capitals who has emerged as a key contributor for the undefeated Canadian Olympic hockey team, providing physicality, leadership, and a team-first mentality.

Jon Cooper

The head coach of the Canadian Olympic hockey team, who has singled out Tom Wilson's outstanding play and leadership as crucial to Canada's success so far in the tournament.

Connor McDavid

The star forward for the Edmonton Oilers who is playing for the Canadian Olympic hockey team alongside Tom Wilson.

Sidney Crosby

The legendary Pittsburgh Penguins forward who is also representing Canada at the Olympics.

Macklin Celebrini

The San Jose Sharks forward who is playing for the Canadian Olympic hockey team with Tom Wilson.

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What they’re saying

“That kid is a hell of a hockey player. and outstanding, outstanding in the locker room. Everybody needs an 'F1,' and that big boy there is one of the best I've seen.”

— Jon Cooper, Head Coach, Canadian Olympic Hockey Team (NHL.com)

“I just feel very privileged and very lucky to be in this position to wear this jersey at the Winter Olympics and try to help my team win. I'm proud to be Canadian. Winning a gold medal and winning a Stanley Cup is everything a kid dreams of in Canada. Not taking it for granted. I've played against Macklin and Connor a lot, and it's not fun. Playing with them is a lot more fun. They're so good with the puck. For me, it's about go get it for them, get it to them, get open and they'll do the rest.”

— Tom Wilson (NHL.com)

What’s next

Team Canada will look to continue their dominant run through the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds as they pursue the gold medal at the Milano Cortina Olympics.

The takeaway

Tom Wilson's emergence as a physical, defensive-minded leader for the Canadian Olympic hockey team highlights the value of having a "glue guy" who can support the squad's elite offensive talents. His play could raise his profile even further, both in the NHL and on future Canadian national teams.