John Tavares invited to Hockey Canada Orientation ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics

Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares was invited by Hockey Canada to the National Teams Orientation Camp in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Tavares was one of 42 players who will take part in a three-day off-ice event that involves players and staff from the men’s, women’s, and para hockey teams. According to the press release, the event includes presentations, team-building exercises, team meetings and media opportunities in preparation for the upcoming season.

While it is not an indication that Tavares is a lock to head to his second Olympics and first since the 2014 games in Sochi, it does indicate that he is on their radar and could be among the first players considered if the primary options that will likely make the cut are injured.  It makes sense given how productive he has been throughout his time representing his country on the international stage.

In every major tournament Tavares got to participate in, Canada ended up winning gold, with his play being a factor in their efforts. He is perhaps most famous for his showing at the 2009 World Juniors where he recorded 15 points (eight goals and seven assists) in only six games, one of which was an assist on Jordan Eberle’s iconic late-tying goal against Russia that helped secure Canada’s spot in the gold medal game.

More recently, he captained Canada at the 2024 World Hockey Championships where he finished tied for the team lead in scoring alongside Dylan Cozens with 11 points (two goals and nine assists) in nine games played. Although he was easily one of their top performers, Canada ultimately fell short as they ended the tournament in fourth place.

Despite a strong 2024-25 season where he produced 74 points (38 points and 36 assists) in 75 games played, Canada opted not to include him on their 4 Nations Face-Off roster, which he admitted he felt disappointed by the omission. While it’s too early to say if their views on him have changed drastically within the last few months, Tavares is at the very least on their radar.

In addition to Tavares, three other players were formerly members of the Leafs organization invited to the Orientation in Mitch Marner, Zach Hyman, and Carter Verhaeghe.