Alex Ovechkin makes shocking statement on teammate Tom Wilson

The Washington Capitals’ season came to an end earlier this week at the hands of the New York Rangers, but Alex Ovechkin didn’t time to reflect before making a bold statement. The team’s current captain believes his teammates Tom Wilson has the leadership skills to take over as the Capitals captain when he decides to retire from the NHL.

“I think since day one when he came to the league, he shows his leadership on the ice and off the ice,” Ovechkin said of Wilson. “He’s always in team-wise on the ice and off the ice. His support, this organization, he’s a leader and probably a future captain, as well.”

This season, Ovechkin has taken Wilson under his wing as the controversial forward began serving as the Capitals’ second alternate captain this season. Ovi stated how he’s been impressed by Wilson’s growth and strongly believes he can become the team’s leader once he chooses to hang up the stakes.

Wilson has spoken about how he felt his role expand and change over the course of the year, which could help him in the future as one of the clubs’ leaders.

“There was tons of ups and downs on and off the ice, and it was a learning experience for me as well,” Wilson said, adding, “You got a guy that you look up to like Backy, who right away is gone. And then your role expands a little bit, and I really am proud of where the group got to by the end of the year. Just the culture and the guys in this room.”

In 74 games this season, Wilson put up 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points. He has become more and more in the community as well and could get more lessons from Ovechkin in the next two campaigns before the Russian superstar’s contract comes to an end in 2026.

Do you believe Wilson has what it takes to be the Capitals’ next captain and fill Ovechkin’ shoes?

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