Winnipeg Jets star Mark Scheifele believes he did all he could to make Team Canada’s Olympic roster, but ultimately it wasn’t enough.

Scheifele was among the most notable omissions when Canada released its roster on Wednesday, along with reigning Conn Smythe trophy winner Sam Bennett and Chicago Blackhawks star forward Connor Bedard.

“Obviously it was a tough day. News that you don’t want,” Scheifele said Thursday, per TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston via The Athletic. “It just shows the amount of talent in Canada. There’s so many great hockey players, so many great guys. It’s an honour to be part of this country just because there are so many great hockey players, and obviously I wish I was picked. God’s got a plan, and you’ve just got to trust it.”

Scheifele spoke after adding two goals and an assist in a loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs to bring his season totals to 20 goals and 48 points in 39 games. The 32-year-old forward is eighth in the NHL in points this season and fourth among Canadian players.

“I don’t know what else I could have done,” Scheifele added. “I’m proud of the way I played all season to now. I think I’m probably playing the best hockey I’ve ever played in my career. That’s all you’ve got to do is just trust in God’s plan and know there’s a reason for everything.”

Scheifele was also left off of Canada’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off last winter, finishing the season with 39 goals and a career-high 87 points in 82 games. He added five goals and 11 points in 11 playoff games for the Jets.

“I really thought he had a real good chance of being on the team,” Jets head coach Scott Arniel said Thursday. “I know there’s some really, really tough decisions out there — a lot of great players — but I just felt that he was so close last year. He’s having a fantastic season, a great start.

“I mean, I’m not in that coaching room [listening to] what they’re looking for or what they’re after, [but] I really felt that he would be a big bonus for Canada.”

Scheifele could still be added to the Olympic roster as an injury replacement. Canada may be forced to make a change just days after submitting their roster if Bo Horvat is ruled out long-term after exiting the New York Islanders’ loss Thursday with a lower-body injury.

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