Tatar did his part against Finland, with an assist in 16:33 of ice time on Slovakia’s top line, alongside Juraj Slafkovsky and Adam Ruzicka.
The 35-year-old is used to being a significant offensive contributor. He has 30 points (seven goals, 23 assists) in 36 games this season with Zug in National League, the top professional league in Switzerland.
Tatar played 14 seasons in the NHL from 2010-25 with the Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken, scored at least 20 goals seven times, and had 496 points (227 goals, 269 assists) in 927 games. He also had 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in 56 Stanley Cup Playoff games
But last season, he had 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) and averaged 11:06 of ice time in 74 games with the Devils.
Rather than stress about where his next NHL home could be, and what kind of opportunity he would get, the native of Ilava, Slovakia, opted to return to Europe.
“It was a family decision,” Tatar said. “We were expecting a baby, and to be honest I didn’t really know what the future would be and what (NHL) city. I felt like I needed more certainty, and I wanted to enjoy hockey a little more. I feel like I can play important minutes like [against Finland] and I feel like it was very uncertain in my last year in Jersey. I wasn’t really productive, (didn’t) play (very) much. With family consideration, we came to the decision, leading to the Olympic games, where I will be playing a lot.
“Do I maybe look back and say I should have stayed? Maybe. I felt like at the time, for the family it would be an easier decision.”
