Mitch Marner was the lone Maple Leafs player to be named to Team Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off roster.
When Team Canada revealed its roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off, Toronto Maple Leafs players John Tavares and Morgan Rielly were left off the list.
The two have represented their country numerous times, with Tavares most recently doing so, as the captain of Canada at the World Championships earlier this year in Czechia.
He led the team in points — with two goals and nine assists in nine games — alongside Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens.
Tavares has 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points in 24 games with the Maple Leafs this season. Given his strong start to the year, there was plenty of speculation about whether he should, or shouldn't, make the roster.
The 34-year-old said he received the news of not making Canada's team last weekend. The forward admitted that it was a "disappointing" call to have.
"I'd have loved to be a part of it. Playing in best-on-best internationally and the Stanley Cup are the pinnacle of our sport. To have those opportunities is unique and special, so obviously disappointed," said Tavares on Friday morning.
When the Maple Leafs faced the Tampa Bay Lightning last week, Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper said players should stay ready because injuries always come up.
"The tournament's not for two months. So, you're going to look at four teams that are going to get announced and I bet you there'll be 10 new players, minimum, from the four teams," Cooper said. "If you're not named to that team, stay ready because unfortunately there's probably going to be some spots open."
Did Tavares get the sense from the phone call with Canada's management that he could be an injury replacement?
"There was nothing about that. I did receive a call from Hockey Canada on the weekend, but I didn't get any official news about that," said the forward.
Mitch Marner was the lone Maple Leafs player to be announced to Canada's roster on Saturday evening.
Rielly hasn't represented his country internationally since the 2017 World Championships, scoring one goal and two assists in 10 games with Canada. However, the 30-year-old has been the third-most productive Canadian defenseman since, with 59 goals and 309 assists in 504 games.
Ahead of Rielly is Brent Burns, and one of Canada's first six selections for the 4 Nations Face-Off, Cale Makar. Although the 30-year-old was more of a longshot to make the squad than Tavares, he was still disappointed.
"Yeah, I mean, it is what it is," said Rielly on Friday morning, "they have a great team and we're all going to be cheering for them."
Rielly's biggest takeaway is that this keeps him motivated for the next chance to represent Canada on the international stage.
"It's always a great honor to play for your country and you're always trying to perform well enough to get that opportunity again."
After the 4 Nations Face-Off, Canada's next big tournament is the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Rielly said he would like the opportunity to represent his country again, and Tavares, who says being left off Canada's roster is motivation, has the Olympics to work towards.
"You just want to continue to push to be part of events and opportunities like that and play for Team Canada. So, there's the Olympics next year and whatever after that. I mean, you know, it's not really where you put your focus on," said Tavares.
"But, if you play really well, you play at a high level, you can show that you can be part of a group that can help win and put yourself in the mix. So, hopefully, those opportunities will still be there down the road."
