Rumor: Zach Hyman and Tom Wilson being considered for Team Canada.

This may all turn out to be a moot point if the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players Association opt out of the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, China, but if the NHL's athletes do attend it sounds like the Canadians may have a very interesting team on the ice.

On his most recent podcast NHL insider Chris Johnston revealed his belief that Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman and Washington Capitals enforcer Tom Wilson are both currently being considered as candidates for Canada's Olympic team at that aforementioned event. Neither man is typical of what you would expect from Canada's star studded lineup, but it sounds like general manager Doug Armstrong and his management team may be looking to build at least one line that would capitalize on the hard nosed style of hockey that both men play.

"What's interesting is I think that Zach Hyman has a real shot to make this team," said Johnston this week on his podcast. "That's where a lot of discussion is right now, we know the star players are gonna play, we know the guys that are gonna be expected to score on this team, but I think they are still carving out some of the roles for the bottom of the roster. The bottom of Team Canada's roster is a first liner on any NHL team."

There are a number of things playing in Hyman's favor here. The biggest of course is that he has 11 goals and 6 assists on the season already through just 22 games, but he also brings some built in chemistry with Connor McDavid who is sure to make the roster. Hyman was recruited to the Oilers by general manager Ken Holland this summer, and that same Ken Holland is a member of Hockey Canada's management team for this Olympic event so that may also play into his favor.

Johnston had another name in mind as well, and this one may come as an even bigger surprise.

"I think even Tom Wilson is in the mix, although I don't know to what degree," said Johnston. "He's definitely under consideration."

Wilson is a highly controversial figure in the NHL but there is little doubt that he is effective at what he does. When you add to that the fact that he has 23 points through 25 games this season, it should come as no surprise that he is being seriously considered for Canada's Olympic roster.