Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews' Status vs. Lightning Still Unclear After Team USA's DC Celebration

Matthews led Team USA to Olympic gold, but his availability for Wednesday's key game is uncertain.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is facing a race against time to join his NHL team in Tampa after leading Team USA to an Olympic gold medal in Milan. The American squad was invited to the White House to celebrate their historic victory, creating a scheduling challenge for several NHL clubs with players involved in the celebrations.

Why it matters

Matthews' status is crucial for the Maple Leafs, who currently sit six points out of a playoff spot and desperately need their captain to lead the final postseason push. The uncertainty around his availability comes at a pivotal time for the team.

The details

Following the gold medal win, the American squad received a FaceTime call from President Donald Trump, who invited the team to attend the State of the Union in Washington to celebrate their achievement. Matthews has been cautious about the logistics, stating that there are many moving parts regarding travel and that the team is currently keeping those specific plans in-house. While Matthews is expected to join the Maple Leafs in Tampa before Wednesday's game, it is not yet clear if he will actually be in the lineup.

  • Team USA received a FaceTime call from President Trump and was invited to the State of the Union in Washington to celebrate their Olympic gold medal win.
  • The Maple Leafs are scheduled to play the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Auston Matthews

The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs who recently led Team USA to its first Olympic gold medal in nearly fifty years.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who invited the Team USA hockey team to the White House to celebrate their Olympic gold medal win.

William Nylander

A Swedish teammate of Auston Matthews on the Toronto Maple Leafs who likely returned earlier following a quarterfinal exit at the Olympics.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Another Swedish teammate of Auston Matthews on the Toronto Maple Leafs who likely returned earlier following a quarterfinal exit at the Olympics.

Connor Hellebuyck

A gold medalist with Team USA who also has a game scheduled for Wednesday, the same day as the Maple Leafs-Lightning matchup.

Connor McDavid

A gold medalist with Team USA who also has a game scheduled for Wednesday, the same day as the Maple Leafs-Lightning matchup.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.