The Washington Capitals could have suffered a potentially devastating injury situation on Saturday night.
Early in the Capitals’ game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Team Canada member Tom Wilson was on the receiving end of a massive hit. The collision behind the Blackhawks’ net with blueliner Connor Murphy led to an awkward fall by Wilson.
The replay showed that the Capitals’ forward twisted his ankle on the play. While the fall didn’t seem as horrifying, it left Wilson stunned nonetheless. That situation could be no bueno for Wilson and the Capitals if one medical expert’s worst fears come to fruition.
Dr. Harjas Grewal, a renowned medical expert, offered the following opinion regarding Wilson’s potential injury:
The likeliest outcome could be an ankle sprain. While painful, such an injury would not be sufficient to keep Wilson off the ice for long. However, Grewal’s worst fears and MCL strain could sideline the Capitals’ leading scorer for an extended period.
If that’s the case, Wilson’s participation at the 2026 Olympics in Milano-Cortina could be in jeopardy. Wilson will undergo further testing to determine the extent of his injury. The hope is that the injury is nothing more than just a painful part of playing in the NHL.
Wilson Having Career Season with Capitals
The potential injury for Tom Wilson comes during the former first-round pick’s best season. Wilson set career highs in goals and points last season, scoring 33 times and adding 32 helpers for 65 points.
This season, the Capitals forward is on pace to eclipse those totals. He’s got 22 goals and 42 points in 40 games thus far. However, a prolonged injury could derail Wilson’s momentum. Unfortunately, players riding hot streaks may see their success stifled by injuries.
That’s why the Capitals hope that Wilson’s situation is nothing more than an innocuous incident.
Wilson’s Olympic Participation at Risk
Assuming the worst, Tom Wilson’s Olympic participation could be at risk. The Capitals’ star was a notable snub from last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off. It seemed as though Team Canada rectified that oversight by naming him to the squad for this year’s Olympics.
A serious injury, however, could risk Wilson’s spot on Team Canada. While the situation is most concerning for the Capitals, Team Canada would also be holding its breath.
If Wilson can’t make it to the Olympics, Sam Bennett could get the call in his place. Bennett was on the 4 Nations roster, but didn’t make the cut for the Olympic squad.
While this entire point is nothing more than speculation at this point, Team Canada has to be concerned regarding the status of the Capitals’ leading scorer.
Ultimately, decisions will be forthcoming once more information emerges. The Capitals and Wilson could catch a break much the same way the New York Islanders did with fellow Olympian Bo Horvat. The injury may boil down to a day-to-day issue, allowing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief. The hope is that the worst fears will remain as nothing more than fears.
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