John Tavares Gets Olympic Redemption After 4 Nations Snub

With the 2026 Olympics heading our way this upcoming winter, all focus is going to be on Team Canada as they look to avenge a dismal showing during 2022, and with NHL players back on board, things look a lot better.

The team announced the invites for their orientation camp and a lot of the names aren't too surprising. We've got Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, Sidney Crosby, Drew Doughty and Adin Hill among a bevy of superstars.

But a name who was a bit of a surprise to see was Toronto's John Tavares, and given he was snubbed for the 4 Nations roster last season, it's clear that Canada wants to load up all their firepower for 2026.

Florida brings four players, as does Vegas, and Toronto will only have that representative now that Mitch Marner is gone. Speaking of, it'll be a bit of deja vu if Tavares and Marner get on the same team, as it'll be the first time they will play together since Marner was traded.

Clearly there's still something he can offer, even at his age. Plus, he's just coming off a 38-goal season which saw him look a decade younger at times.

It also is not his first rodeo, as he won Olympic Gold with the team in 2014 in 2014 however did not play most of the tournament after suffering a knee injury. He's also donned the red and white for the Wold Cup of Hockey as well as the World Juniors.

If you look at the team that Canada wants to bring in, they are trying to certainly bring in more youth however understand that balance calls for veteran leadership, and it's why you see guys like Mark Stone, Tavares, and Drew Doughty being invited.

Last year, Tavares had 74 points in 75 games (38 goals, 36 assists) and was a pleasant surprise for the Maple Leafs although fell in the playoffs once again; if he can end up replicating his performance from last year then Toronto is in good hands.

He signed a long-term extension this summer, so all focus can be on keeping himself healthy and prepared for anything that comes his way.

That includes the 2026 Olympics, and Team Canada is certainly a better team with him than not.