Something unexpected is unfolding for Tom Wilson and Team Canada

The Tom Wilson to Team Canada buzz jumped a level after an RMNB graphic cited Pierre LeBrun, suggesting Wilson has effectively nudged ahead of Travis Konecny for a roster spot.

The important caveat, of course, is that Hockey Canada has not finalized its 2026 roster yet, with decisions expected closer to the end of December.

On merit, Wilson keeps making himself hard to cut. The 31 year old followed a 33 goal, 65 point breakout in 2024 25 with another hot start this season, piling up 29 points in 26 games while still bringing his usual edge.

Drafted 16th overall by Washington in 2012, he has grown from chaos agent to legitimate top six finisher.

Konecny, 28, is a 2015 first rounder who once scored 31 goals in only 60 games and was also in Canada's Olympic orientation mix.

LeBrun has talked for months about Wilson being firmly in the evaluation group for Milan, right alongside younger stars such as Connor Bedard.

Other national media projections, including NHL.com, increasingly slot Wilson as a fourth line or extra forward who can change a game with one shift.

RMNB's post just poured gasoline on that idea, framing it as Wilson taking Konecny's chair on the right side if Canada wants more snarl in its bottom six. Judging by the comments, Caps fans are already picturing number forty three rocking the maple leaf.

From a tactics view, Wilson fits the modern version of Canada's heavy game.

Spencer Carbery has him killing penalties, parking at the net on the power play, and Wilson has rewarded that trust with improved puck touch and a recent run of big night performances.

Wilson himself has tried to keep the noise at arm's length, telling NHL.com that making the Olympic roster «would mean the world,» but that his priority is driving wins in Washington. You get the sense he knows international selection usually follows team success.