The announcement of Team Canada's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, has sparked considerable debate, particularly surrounding the inclusion of Tom Wilson and the exclusion of Sam Bennett. While both players bring unique qualities to the ice, the decision highlights the complex considerations that go into assembling an Olympic team.
Tom Wilson, a 31-year-old forward for the Washington Capitals, has been selected to make his Olympic debut. This marks a significant milestone in his career, especially considering he was a younger player during the last NHL participation in the Olympics in 2014. Wilson's selection reflects his evolution into a "dynamic, productive player" with a physical edge. This season, he leads the Capitals in goals (19), points (37), and power-play goals (7). Wilson also stands out as the only player in the NHL with at least 19 goals and over 100 hits. His ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a robust physical presence makes him a valuable asset for Team Canada. Among Canadian-born forwards, Wilson holds a strong plus-minus rating and ranks high in power-play goals.
Sam Bennett, on the other hand, is having a solid season with the Florida Panthers, notching 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 39 games. Bennett's contributions were key to Canada's victory at the 4 Nations Face-Off, and he recently won the Conn Smythe Trophy. Despite these achievements, he was left off the Olympic roster, a decision that surprised many.
Several factors may have contributed to Bennett's exclusion. According to sources, the final roster choices involved a debate between including Bo Horvat or Nick Suzuki. Ultimately, the decision was made to include both, which meant that Bennett was squeezed out. General Manager Doug Armstrong acknowledged the difficulty of this decision, noting that Bennett handled the news professionally. Armstrong pointed out that early roster discussions limited flexibility, and positional needs, faceoff ability, and penalty-killing roles were heavily considered. Coach Jon Cooper seemed to prefer Horvat, Suzuki, and Cirelli over Bennett.
Some analysts suggest that Tom Wilson's slightly better skating and scoring abilities may have given him an edge over Bennett. Others believe that Wilson's effectiveness on the penalty kill and his overall strength were deciding factors. Wilson's experience and leadership as an alternate captain for the Capitals likely added to his appeal.
Ultimately, the selection of Tom Wilson over Sam Bennett reflects the tough choices involved in assembling a highly competitive Olympic team. While Bennett's exclusion was surprising given his recent successes, Wilson's unique combination of scoring, physicality, and penalty-killing abilities made him a valuable choice for Team Canada. The final roster aims to create a team that can compete against any opponent, with a focus on versatility and the ability to fill various roles as needed.
