The Washington Capitals will be without alternate captain Tom Wilson for their game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night, as Wilson is sidelined due to an illness contracted while representing Team Canada in Italy. The team announced his absence just before the 7 p.m. puck drop at the Capital One Arena.
Impact of Wilson’s Absence on Capitals’ Lineup
Wilson, who participated in all six of Canada’s matches during the competition in Milan, contributed four points with one goal and three assists. Despite his efforts, Team Canada took the silver medal after a narrow 2-1 loss to Team USA in the gold medal contest. At 31 years old, Wilson leads the Capitals this season with 49 points from 23 goals and 26 assists across 50 games. This will mark the tenth game he has missed this season.
With Wilson out, Ryan Leonard will be promoted to the second line alongside Connor McMichael and Pierre-Luc Dubois. In addition, Hendrix Lapierre will fill a wing position on the fourth line, paired with Nic Dowd and Brandon Duhaime.
Additional Absences for Capitals in Matchup
The Capitals are also facing the game without defenseman John Carlson, who is sidelined with a lower-body injury, further affecting their lineup against the Flyers.
“#Caps forward Tom Wilson (illness) is out for tonight’s game vs. Philadelphia.” — Capitals PR
These absences come as the Capitals resume play following the Olympic break, presenting a challenge as they seek to maintain momentum in the season. The team will need to adjust quickly to compensate for Wilson’s absence and Carlson’s injury as they face their division rival in Philadelphia.
#Caps forward Tom Wilson (illness) is out for tonight’s game vs. Philadelphia.
— Capitals PR (@CapitalsPR) February 25, 2026
