His father, Jerry Wilson, played three games in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens in the 1950s, and later was the team doctor for the Winnipeg Jets.

Wilson made an impact right away, scoring in only his second NHL shift on his first shot in his first game, against Bob Froese of the Philadelphia Flyers.

His twin brother Geoff Wilson was also a hockey player and played for HIFK in Finland's SM-liiga (1982–83) with him.

Wilson attended school in Sweden and played on local hockey teams with his brothers.

His son Colin is a former professional hockey player who played 11 seasons in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche and the Nashville Predators.