John Tavares will miss the world hockey championships for Team Canada after suffering an oblique injury during practice in Slovakia.

Hockey Canada contacted the Toronto Maple Leafs and it was agreed it was best for Tavares to return to Toronto for further evaluation of his oblique.

"We are disappointed that John will not be able to participate as a member of Team Canada," official Jason Botterill said in a statement. "We know John was excited about the opportunity to wear the Maple Leaf once again, and we were excited to have John as a member of our team and to welcome his many years of NHL and international experience."