Wilson and Thompson are two of six players on the Olympic roster who did not play for Canada at the 4 Nationals Face-Off this past February. They join forward Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, forward Bo Horvat of the New York Islanders, forward Nick Suzuki of the Montreal Canadiens, and goalie Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings as new additions to Team Canada.
Wilson, 31, has recorded 40 points (21 goals, 19 assists) in 39 games this season. The Toronto, Ontario native leads the Capitals in goals, points, power-play goals (seven), points-per-game (1.03) and hits (105).
“The production helps,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said of Wilson’s rise from dark horse to selection. “There’s so much more to what he does. But it helps when you’re talking about the outside world watching. So, when he’s leading our team in scoring, when he has the most power play goals on our team and he’s known for the physicality and the penalty killing and the 200-foot player…and then you’re going ‘Geez, this guy’s leading the Capitals in goals and assists. Wow.’”
Thompson, 28, has a 15-10-3 record with a 2.33 goals-against average, .915 save percentage and two shutouts in 28 games this season. Thompson, a native of Calgary, Alberta, is tied for third in the NHL in save percentage and is fourth in goals-against average among goaltenders with at least 20 games played.
He has a record of 46-16-9 with a 2.42 goals-against average, .912 save percentage and four shutouts in 71 games since joining the Capitals ahead of the 2024-25 season.
“I obviously wouldn’t be here today getting that call if it wasn’t for [goaltending coach] Scott Murray and the Washington Capitals bringing me in last year and the group of guys in that dressing room,” Thompson said.