The Washington Capitals could have a strong representation at the 2026 Olympics. The Caps could have as many as three players representing them on Team Canada’s roster for Milano-Cortina.
That speaks volumes about each player, particularly since they weren’t on Canada’s roster for last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off.
Let’s start with the forward group. One of the most talked-about players to jump into Team Canada’s roster is Tom Wilson. Anyone familiar with Wilson’s game knows what he brings to the table. He’s an unusual combination of skill, physicality, and toughness. That’s why, according to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, the Capitals’ heart and soul forward could be on Canada’s roster.
LeBrun wrote on December 19:
“The forwards who weren’t at 4 Nations who have pushed up the highest are Macklin Celebrini, Tom Wilson, Bo Horvat and Nick Suzuki. I think Celebrini and Wilson are most likely in.”
There are no guarantees, of course. But if there’s anyone looking like a solid pick, it’s Wilson. Picking Wilson could mean the Capitals’ forward might squeeze out one of Brad Marchand or Sam Bennett. The idea is that Wilson’s skill set could make Marchand and Bennett redundant.
Capitals Netminder Squeezing His Way into Olympic Conversation
The goaltending trio at last year’s 4 Nations for Canada featured Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues, Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights, and Samuel Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens. Meanwhile, Capitals goalie Logan Thompson was a surprise snub.
That won’t likely seek the case this season. Hill is hurt and Montembeault played his way off the team. As such, the door is open for Thompson to get his foot in. As LeBrun noted, Binnington is pretty much in. That would leave Thompson of the Capitals, MacKenzie Blackwood of the Colorado Avalanche, and Darcy Kuemper of the LA Kings vying for the final two spots.
LeBrun expounded on the matter:
“So I think they go Binnington with two of Thompson, Kuemper or Blackwood. I believe those are the four goalies left in the conversation right now.”
The Capitals’ starter looks like a lock. With Thompson and Binnington in the fold, the final spot would come down to Blackwood and Kuemper.
Chychrun May Still Get a Shot
Jakob Chychrun has had a great year for the Capitals. In fact, his stock has risen to the point where he has entered the conversation for Team Canada’s roster. Thursday night’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs further improved his case. His two goals and dominant performance have catapulted him into the mix.
As LeBrun pointed out:
“The three most vulnerable defensemen from 4 Nations, based on play this season, are Thomas Harley, Colton Parayko and Travis Sanheim. One or two of those guys could potentially be out. Does that open the door for Schaefer or Bouchard or Jakob Chychrun?”
So, if Team Canada chooses to pass on any of the three incumbents from last year, rookie Matthew Schaefer for the New York Islanders, Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers, or the Capitals’ Chychrun could get the call.
The chatter is that Schaefer and Chychrun would get the call. If that’s the case, the Capitals’ blueliner could be the third member to make Team Canada. With such ample representation, the Caps could be in line to make a difference at the 2026 Olympics.
Capitals Trio Could Make Surprise Appearance at 2026 Olympics