BOSTON, MA - MAY 19: Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson 43 starts up ice during Game 3 of the NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round between the Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals on May 19, 2021, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire NHL: MAY 19 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round - Capitals at Bruins Icon482210519067
BOSTON, MA - MAY 19: Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson 43 starts up ice during Game 3 of the NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round between the Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals on May 19, 2021, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire NHL: MAY 19 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round - Capitals at Bruins Icon482210519067
Former Washington Capitals defenseman Steve Oleksy spent parts of two seasons as a depth defenseman with the Washington Capitals. And if anyone asks him to sum up Washington alternate captain Tom Wilson in one word, his response is, “unicorn”.
He recently sat down with The Hockey News to discuss Wilson's rise to grow into one of Washington's most important players. When he was asked to sum up Wilson in one word, "Unicorn is the best way to describe him," Oleksy said.
Oleksy had known Wilson since his rookie year. He said Wilson's character stood out from day one and that held up throughout.
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 30: Washington Capitals Right Wing Tom Wilson (43) looks on during game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Las Vegas Golden Knights on May 30, 2018 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire) NHL Eishockey Herren USA MAY 30 Stanley Cup Final Game 2 - Capitals at Golden Knights PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon00718053042862
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 30: Washington Capitals Right Wing Tom Wilson (43) looks on during game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Las Vegas Golden Knights on May 30, 2018 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire) NHL Eishockey Herren USA MAY 30 Stanley Cup Final Game 2 - Capitals at Golden Knights PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon00718053042862
During his interview with The Hockey News, Oleksy also recalled helping Wilson settle in when the winger joined the Capitals full-time in 2013. Wilson was just 19 when he made his way onto the opening-night roster.
Oleksy also spoke about what Wilson is like as a human being, rather than just a player. The former Washington player believes his nature makes him an ideal leader.
"Even through all his success, I can literally tell you, he is one of the only guys I've ever come across that has not changed as a person with the success of his career... Just an ultimate human being and a born leader in every aspect of the word."
Many around the team see him as next in line for the captaincy once Alex Ovechkin exits. Oleksy said he wasn't surprised Wilson embraced that role so fast, since he has kept a steady attitude no matter what.
"I talk about the person more than the player, especially somebody like him. There's a false narrative from outsiders about somebody like Tom Wilson and the way he plays; he is one of the best human being I've ever met," Oleksy said.
Wilson's game has matured dramatically since his rookie year, evolving from a prospect fighting for ice time to a franchise cornerstone. He now hits the net hard and can carry the game even in heavy minutes.
"I don't think we're gonna ever see another Tom Wilson," Oleksy said.
He believes in Wilson's revolutionary talent, especially his ability to adapt to the game's current form. Oleksy feels that the Washington alternate captain can do it all, and do it all perfectly.
Wilson's 13-Year climb: From prospect to franchise cornerstone
Tom Wilson has built a reputation that lasted over 13 seasons in Washington. He has scored 209 goals and 248 assists for 457 points across 907 career games. He also helped the Capitals win their only Stanley Cup back in 2018.
Alongside his results, Wilson has long been one of the NHL's most physical players. He has been involved in more than 150 career fighting majors and was always quick to stand up for his teammates.
According to the NHL stats, Wilson's best run was pretty recent, as he set his career highs across different categories during the 2024-25 season. All while still playing his usual physical style of hockey.
He followed the same pace in 2025-26 with 30 goals and 32 assists for 62 points in 72 games, his second straight 30-goal season. The Capitals also named him an alternate captain in that season, which is a testament to the leadership Oleksy described.
From a 19-year-old fighting for a roster spot to an alternate franchise leader. Wilson's numbers back up what Oleksy sees in him.
Let us know what stands out most about Wilson's career down in the comments below.
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Written by
Aadhya Nalla
Edited by
Arundhoti Palit