"Guess they want to lose", "Well deserved": NHL fans divided over Tom Wilson's rumored candidacy for Team Canada roster at 4 Nations Faceoff

Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson is expected to be among the players selected to represent Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February 2025. Sportsnet Elliotte Friedman confirmed Team Canada’s interest in Tom Wilson joining its roster.

However, fans received the news with mixed reactions. Here’s a closer look at what some fans commented regarding the prospect of Tom Wilson making it onto Team Canada’s roster:

“Guess they want to lose. No offense to Wilson,” a fan chimed in.

“Why does Canada always feel the need to take at least one bum to every tournament,” another fan weighed in.

“Confirms the tournament is a joke lol,” this fan commented.

Nevertheless, some fans were genuinely supportive of the decision, voicing their positive opinions regarding Tom Wilson’s potential participation in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Here’s what these fans had to say:

“Well deserved,” a fan opined.

“Well deserved. Can’t just look at the points with Tom. He brings so much to the game,” another fan posted.

“Can play in all situations, fantastic defensive forward along the wall, and his shot has improved so much. Great player,” this fan Tweeted.

Tom Wilson could join the six Canadian players already confirmed on Team Canada’s roster. Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Brad Marchand, Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, and Brayden Point are the first batch names that will take part in the 4 Nations Face-Off later this season.

NHL insider discusses why Tom Wilson is reportedly high on Team Canada's radar

During the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman discussed Team Canada’s interest in adding Wilson. To begin with, Wilson’s role is to add muscle to a highly talented Canadian lineup.

But it’s worth pointing out that interest in having Wilson on the Canadian side is nothing new. Friedman stated the following on the show:

“Doug Armstrong was going to put him on the Olympic team. Nothing this guy is doing this year is going to make them change their mind.”

However, the NHL did not allow players to participate in the 2022 Olympics in China. So now, the 4 Nations Face-Off will provide NHLers with a unique opportunity to represent their home countries.

As such, Team Canada GM Don Sweeney is motivated to add Wilson as Wilson exhibits many of the traits Sweeney values in his players with the Boston Bruins. Friedman said:

“He may be a Capital, but that’s a Bruin. That’s the mold of player that Don Sweeny would love… I think we’re getting close to calling him Team Canada Tom Wilson.”

Of course, Wilson is not guaranteed a spot on Team Canada. Final rosters are still weeks away from being announced. So, there’s plenty of time for things to change. In the meantime, it looks like Team Canada will boast a mix of speed and skill with size and toughness.