'A Lot Of Fun And A Little Jealous': Maple Leafs' John Tavares Happy To See Best-On-Best Hockey Return With 4 Nations Face-Off

Tavares was part of Canada's 2016 entry in the World Cup of Hockey and the 2014 Olympics and has enjoyed watching the games, even if the veteran can't be a part of it.

The most experienced Toronto Maple Leafs player when it comes to best-on-best hockey was not selected to participate in 4 Nations Face-Off tournament that has been taking place in Montreal and Boston over the last couple of weeks. John Tavares returned to the Leafs' practice with the rest of his teammates on Tuesday and spoke about Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews and William Nylander's participation in the tournament.

"A lot of fun and a little jealous." Tavares said. "You dream about being in those opportunities and to play for your country, best-on-best. But those guys have been great."

Tavares also said it will help Toronto's star players just get used to play with some other elite-level talent around the NHL. 

"I think a great experience for all of them to be a part of that, represent their country best on best and be around the game's best players. That type of intensity, that level of play. And like I said, when you're around different players, especially elite players, through and through you learn a lot, different types of situations you're in. So I think it'll only benefit them greatly."

Tavares, like the rest of his teammates, took part in a lengthy practice session on Tuesday. He skated on a line with Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson. The latter placeholding for Nylander, who returned to Toronto following Sweden's elimination, although was given the day off to recover.

Tavares spoke on various topics including the club's aspiration of finishing the season strong, Calle Jarnkrok's return to full practice following sports hernia surgery.

Q: Good to be back?

"Yeah, of course. Good break for everyone, but excited to get back at it. Obviously, coming down the stretch here and, as you get closer to the best time of year, know the importance of the hockey that's ahead and the excitement that comes with that. Important few days here to get back up to speed and right into the thick of it on the weekend."

Q: First place in the division still the goal for the group?

"Yeah, I mean, you know, you play every y game and (try to) finish as high as you can. So no doubt that would put us in a great spot. So not that it's your thought process every single day, but, you know, we want to play really good hockey. We want to earn wins and results that we need to put ourselves in the playoffs and obviously to finish as high as we can. So that would be a great accomplishment and would set us up well."

Q: What was it like seeing Jarnkrok out with you guys?

"Awesome. I know it's been a difficult year with what he was going through at training camp and trying to get ready to play and not responding the way he wanted to and having to go through a ton of rehab and, you know, you're away from the team a lot and obviously wasn't skating for quite a bit. So he's worked really hard. And obviously, once you join the group, you're right there. So great to have him out there. He's obviously been a very, very important player for us in many areas over the years."

Q: What was your reaction to the Canada/US game over the weekend?

Yeah, it was quite the hockey game. Obviously, there was a lot of buildup towards it. I think there was a tremendous amount of intensity, passion and pride in the game. And obviously, the level of hockey was second to none. So like everyone else, it was awesome to watch. And I think great for the game to see best-on-best and obviously a tremendous rivalry. Played at that level, like I said, with that type of passion and pride, I think is pretty unique and pretty special."