"If they call I'm always going to come, because in 10 years from now I'll look back and say 'I should've played for Canada,'" said Vlasic, whose NHL season with the San Jose Sharks was ended by the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Western Conference Second Round at SAP Center last Sunday.

So when Hockey Canada called to ask the decorated veteran defenseman to anchor the blue line at the 2018 IIHF World Championship in Copenhagen and Herning, Denmark, he obliged.

He's certainly no stranger to international ice. Vlasic, who recorded a career-high 11 goals to go along with 32 points in 81 games this season, has a storied history with Hockey Canada.

This tournament will mark the fourth time Vlasic has represented Canada at the World Championship, where he has a pair of silver medal finishes -- from 2009 in Bern and Schluefweg, Switzerland and 2017 in Paris, France and Cologne, Germany.

"He brings a lot, obviously…veteran experience," said Canada head coach Bill Peters, whose team is fourth in Group B following action Saturday. "The only thing he hasn't won is a World Championship.

"So lets get that fixed."

That's the goal fueling his extended season. He's done it before, too.

A late add is not unfamiliar territory for Vlasic. He joined Canada in 2017 after the Sharks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers last spring.

He's used to answering Canada's call, quickly. It'll help him get up to speed, quickly.

No rest needed for the Sharks rearguard.

"I felt good on the ice," Vlasic said, after his first skate with Hockey Canada on Friday. "I'll try to get to bed early so I can catch up on my sleep. It'll be good to get into it, three games in four nights, to get back into things.

"They're all big games. We want to finish first in the division to set ourselves up for the quarterfinals.

"And everyone wants to beat Canada."

And Canada wants gold.

Once he gets in the swing of things, Vlasic will start that hunt once again.

Vlasic, who was an assistant captain on the silver finish a year ago, was on Canada's gold medal entry at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, and also won a gold medal with Canada at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

It's a wealth of experience much needed for Canada's back end.

In terms of skates at the World Championship, World Cup and Olympics with Canada, Vlasic runs his total to 30. Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers is closest to Vlasic with 15; Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues is next at 11.

Vlasic also adds 893 NHL games to his resume, all with the Sharks. Canada's other seven defenders combine to reach 1,365.

It's a value Canada has placed high on the defenseman, no doubt.

"It's an honor to play for your country," Vlasic said.

"Every time I get the opportunity I'll do it."