John Tavares is amid a resurgent campaign for the Toronto Maple Leafs and his proficiency in all facets of the game are a major reason why the team sits atop the Atlantic Division into December. Tavares was in consideration for Team Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster but was ultimately omitted from the team, when the roster was announced Wednesday.

Toronto’s star centre apparently knew about the decision ahead of time and revealed his disappointment about the decision Friday morning.

“It’s disappointing, I’d have loved to be a part of it,” Tavares said Friday via Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun. “Playing in best-on-best internationally and the Stanley Cup are the pinnacle of our sport. To have those opportunities is unique, so it’s obviously disappointing, but let’s get back focused on what we’re doing day to day here and how I can be at my best for the club.”

Tavares has registered 11 goals and 22 points in 24 games for the Maple Leafs, winning 58.8 percent of his faceoffs, while the Maple Leafs sport a plus-12 goal differential and a 53.3 percent share of the expected goals when he’s on the ice at 5-on-5 via Natural Stat Trick. These are among the best underlying numbers of all Canadian forwards, but it also makes sense why Canada opted for a younger, Selke-level specialist in Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis, among others.

The 34-year-old was informed of the decision by Team Canada staff last weekend. Tavares will benefit from some rest during the 4 Nations break, and he’s been an integral part of the Maple Leafs’ excellent start to the season.

Mitch Marner was named to Team Canada on Wednesday, while Jani Hakanpaa was added to Team Finland. Auston Matthews (Team USA) and William Nylander (Team Sweden) were previously named to their international rosters as one of the first six selections.

Tavares can take solace in the fact that the Maple Leafs are well positioned to make a deep run this season, leading the Atlantic Division, while boasting the best defensive and goaltending results during his tenure with the club. If the Maple Leafs lift the Cup with Tavares in a central role, this could all be a moot point.