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Vlasic joins Canada for Worlds, extending marathon campaign

San Jose Sharks v Arizona Coyotes

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 19: Marc-Edouard Vlasic #44 of the San Jose Sharks during the first period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on November 19, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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Marc-Edouard Vlasic is putting in work this year.

On Friday, Hockey Canada announced that Vlasic -- along with Mitch Marner, Brayden Schenn and Chad Johnson -- has been added to the 22-player roster for the upcoming World Hockey Championship in France and Germany.

Vlasic’s season started early as a member of Canada’s World Cup of Hockey squad. He appeared in all six games, which included his tournament high TOI (24:04) in final against Team Europe.

From there, the 30-year-old rejoined the Sharks and appeared in 75 contests, averaging 21:14 per evening. He was part of a remarkably durable San Jose defense that saw Brent Burns play all 82 games, while Paul Martin, Brenden Dillon and Justin Braun appeared in 81.

In the playoffs, Vlasic was once again a busy guy. He finished second only to Burns in time on ice (23:16 per) and was often tasked with trying to shut down the Connor McDavid line. The Sharks would eventually bow out to the Oilers in six games.

And Vlasic might have even more to do this summer.

During his end-of-year media availability, Sharks GM Doug Wilson said getting Vlasic signed to an extension prior to September’s training camp was a big priority.

Vlasic’s current deal -- a five-year, $21.25 million pact -- expires next summer, and carries an average cap hit of $4.25M. Wilson didn’t mince words in describing how good he thinks Vlasic is.

“Vlasic [is] arguably one of the best defensemen in the league,” he said. “Marc-Edouard is still one of the most underrated players in the league in the outside world.”