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Why Maple Leafs' John Tavares Wants To Represent Canada At World Championships
TL;DR
John Tavares is set to join Team Canada for the World Championships in Switzerland, alongside Mark Scheifele, Robert Thomas, and Ryan O'Reilly. He expressed the importance of representing his country while also focusing on his career benefits.
Key points
- John Tavares to join Team Canada for World Championships
- Tavares believes representing Canada benefits his career
- Mark Scheifele, Robert Thomas, and Ryan O'Reilly also joining
- Tavares played all 82 games for the Maple Leafs this season
- World Championships held in Switzerland
Mentioned in this story
Switzerland
Team CanadaWorld ChampionshipsJohn TavaresToronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares appears set to join Team Canada for the World Championships in Switzerland.
One day after saying "things are trending" in the direction of playing for Canada at the Worlds, TSN's Darren Dreger reports that Canada has secured Tavares, along with Mark Scheifele, Robert Thomas, and Ryan O'Reilly.
"Obviously want to be playing for the Stanley Cup," said Tavares on Thursday during the team's locker cleanout day, "but anytime you get the opportunity to represent your country, and certainly the stage that I'm at, you don't take it lightly.
"And I think for me, it can only benefit me to go play and help Canada, but also, I think what's ahead of me in my career."
Tavares was one of the Maple Leafs' most consistent players this season, despite his goal total taking a slight dip. The 35-year-old played in all 82 games for Toronto and was the only one to do so.
He tallied 71 points — 31 goals and 40 assists — in that span.
This will be Tavares' fifth go-around with Canada at the World Championships. Two years ago (2023-24), he captained Canada at the tournament, tallying two goals and 11 points in nine games.
Canada fell 4-2 to Sweden in the bronze-medal game and failed to capture a medal.
Tavares also played in three World Championships while with the New York Islanders, from 2010 to 2012. In 2010, the center finished with the most goals in the tournament with seven. During the next two years, Tavares finished as a top-three player on Canada.
Three strong years, but he's medalled with Canada at the World Championships.
Q&A
Why does John Tavares want to play for Team Canada at the World Championships?
John Tavares wants to represent Canada to take advantage of the opportunity and believes it can benefit his career.
Who else is joining John Tavares on Team Canada for the World Championships?
Alongside John Tavares, Mark Scheifele, Robert Thomas, and Ryan O'Reilly are also set to join Team Canada.
What was John Tavares' performance like during the Maple Leafs' season?
John Tavares was one of the most consistent players for the Maple Leafs, playing all 82 games despite a slight dip in his goal total.
Where will the World Championships take place this year?
The World Championships will take place in Switzerland.
