In an engaging pre-Olympic survey, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby selected Tom Wilson to lead Team Canada in penalty minutes for the upcoming 2026 Olympics in Milan Cortina. Wilson’s reputation as a physical player made him a fitting choice, although Crosby humorously suggested that Brad Marchand could also compete for that title.
Insights from the Team Survey
The survey, conducted by CBC, featured several prominent players weighing in on various team categories. Sidney Crosby was confident in his pick, stating:
- Sidney Crosby: “Tom Wilson. Maybe Marshy. They’d be battling it out.”
- Connor McDavid: “I feel like this isn’t really a compliment, so I don’t really want to say anybody.”
- Jordan Binnington: “A toss-up between Brad Marchand and Tom Wilson.”
While Wilson acknowledged the attention on his penalty minutes, he humorously noted, “I’m trying to stay out of the box these days.”
Potential Team Leaders
Aside from penalties, Wilson was also earmarked as a potential leader in hits. Here’s how fellow players weighed in:
- Sam Bennett: “Wilson or myself.”
- Jordan Binnington: “Maybe Bennett.”
- Connor McDavid: “Tom Wilson.”
Wilson cheerfully endorsed his ability to land impactful hits, saying, “I’ll bet on myself to have a lot of hits, that’s for sure.”
Off-Ice Antics and Preparations
When the discussion turned to team outfits, the players had a lighthearted exchange. Jordan Binnington humorously remarked, “Well, we’re all wearing the same outfits” due to the uniformity of Lululemon gear. Wilson expressed enthusiasm about seeing everyone in the new kits.
Future Roles and Responsibilities
Additional fun roles were also discussed. Mitch Marner was voted as the team DJ following his stint at the Four Nations Face Off. In a light moment, Brad Marchand quipped about Marner’s taste in music, saying, “He likes the gangster stuff. I like that.”
As far as scoring went, Crosby, McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon were considered the top candidates, although Wilson himself chose McDavid in a personal pick.
Food Adventures Ahead
Humorously, when asked about who would indulge in Italian cuisine during the Olympics, Wilson gave a witty response regarding his Capitals teammate Logan Thompson. He referenced advice from Olympians about food scarcity in the Olympic village, stating:
- “If you see a banana, grab it because you never know when the next food will be available.”
Wilson’s commentary revealed a sense of camaraderie and humor as the team prepares for their Olympic journey. With Crosby’s endorsement and a fun rapport, Canadian hockey hopes to showcase not just skill but also strength and unity in Milan Cortina.
