Auston Matthews skips White House visit to rejoin Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs star forward returns to team after Olympics, missing political event to focus on playoff push

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Auston Matthews, captain of the U.S. men's hockey team that won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, chose to skip a visit to the White House on Tuesday to instead rejoin his NHL team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, ahead of a crucial game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The decision was made to prioritize Matthews' focus on the Leafs' playoff push, with the team currently tied for 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings with 25 games left in the regular season.

Why it matters

Matthews' choice to skip the White House visit in order to be with his NHL team highlights the difficult decisions facing Olympic athletes as they balance representing their country and their professional obligations. The tight NHL schedule following the Olympics has left little rest for players like Matthews, raising questions about whether the league could have done more to accommodate its Olympians.

The details

After winning gold with Team USA at the Olympics, Matthews was expected to attend a White House visit on Tuesday. However, he opted to skip the event and instead rejoin the Maple Leafs in Tampa ahead of their game against the Lightning on Wednesday. The Leafs are currently in a tight playoff race, sitting tied for 11th in the Eastern Conference with 25 games left. Matthews, the Leafs' captain, is expected to be a key driver of their push to reach the postseason.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics ended on Sunday, February 23.
  • The NHL regular season resumed on Wednesday, February 25.

The players

Auston Matthews

The captain of the U.S. men's hockey team that won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics and is the star forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Craig Berube

The head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States at the time.

Jake Guentzel

A forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who skipped the White House visit to return home.

Jack Eichel

An American gold medalist who will miss the Vegas Golden Knights' game due to the Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“I'll get a better feel when I talk to him here tonight.”

— Craig Berube, Maple Leafs Head Coach (USA TODAY)

What’s next

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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.