If anyone cares, it's Steven Stamkos.
The Tampa Bay Lightning captain didn't participate for Team Canada at the last two Olympics - in 2010 because he was passed over, and in 2014 because of a broken leg - and he was asked about the significance of the World Cup on Monday. He responded in kind.
"It's huge," Stamkos said, writes Sportsnet's Chris Johnston. "You don't know when you're going to get those opportunities again. With the talent that Canada has, your window's pretty limited when it comes to these things."
As more and more players drop out of the tournament that begins Sept. 17, Stamkos' positive feelings make for a story. The Markham, Ontario product has been through a lot recently after missing much of last year's Stanley Cup playoffs due to blood clots, so he's not taking anything for granted.
"I've been looking forward to this for a long time," he said.
Stamkos said he's no longer taking blood thinners and had a great summer of training, so he's ready to go. On Monday, he found himself on Canada's top power-play unit, playing with Sidney Crosby, John Tavares, Ryan Getzlaf, and Drew Doughty.
Who wouldn't be excited about that?
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