Following Team USA’s men’s hockey triumph at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, ending a 46-year gold medal drought since the Miracle on Ice, the players received an invitation to visit the White House and attend the State of the Union address. However, five members of the Olympic roster, including Jake Guentzel, chose not to participate, citing personal priorities and NHL responsibilities as their reasons for skipping the ceremony.
Jackson LaCombe Returns to Anaheim Ducks Instead of White House Visit
Defenseman Jackson LaCombe, originally from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, decided against attending the White House ceremony to return promptly to Southern California and rejoin the Anaheim Ducks. With 37 points in 56 NHL games this season, LaCombe emphasized his pro hockey obligations as the main factor for his absence. Several other Minnesota-born teammates made similar choices, prioritizing their NHL duties over the invitational event.
Goalie Jake Oettinger Focuses on Dallas Stars After Olympic Success
Dallas Stars’ starting goalie Jake Oettinger, hailing from Lakeville, Minnesota, had already headed back to Dallas before the White House event. Preparing for the resumption of NHL league play following the Olympic break, Oettinger committed his attention fully to his team. NHL insider Lia Assimakopoulos confirmed that Oettinger’s absence was strictly due to professional responsibilities. Through the season, the goalie has amassed a strong record of 23 wins, 10 losses, and 4 overtime decisions.
Kyle Connor Returns to Winnipeg to Prepare for Upcoming Games
Kyle Connor, a forward from Clinton Township, Michigan, also refrained from attending the White House visit to prioritize his duties with the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets’ schedule required his timely return to Canada as the team prepared for a game against the Vancouver Canucks. With NHL play picking up again after the Olympics, Connor’s decision reflected his commitment to the team’s ongoing season.
Brock Nelson Chooses Family Time Ahead of Avalanche Return
Colorado Avalanche forward Brock Nelson, from Warroad, Minnesota, opted to spend personal time with family before rejoining his team for their next game in Utah. Known as a significant contributor with 29 goals this season, Nelson’s decision was influenced by both personal priorities and the Avalanche’s schedule as the regular NHL season resumed. NHL commentator Corey Masisak noted that Nelson was focusing on preparation for upcoming competitive matches.
Jake Guentzel Concentrates on Tampa Bay Lightning’s Playoff Push
Forward Jake Guentzel, born in Omaha but raised in Woodbury, Minnesota, declined the White House invitation to remain with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Focused on team practices and preparation for the final stretch before playoffs, Guentzel plays a crucial role as the Lightning’s second-highest scorer with 60 points in 55 games, behind star Nikita Kucherov. Tampa Bay is among the top teams vying for playoff placement, and Guentzel’s NHL commitments took precedence over the ceremonial visit to Washington, D.C.
Implications of NHL Players’ Absence from White House Celebration
Although these five players did not attend the White House event, their efforts in securing the Olympic gold medal were essential to Team USA’s historic success. Their timely return to respective NHL franchises highlights the balancing act athletes face between national honors and professional demands. As the NHL season continues, these players are expected to play pivotal roles in their teams’ performances, underscoring the ongoing challenges of navigating dual commitments in elite sports.
I'm told that Jake Oettinger is scheduled to return to Dallas today and will not be attending any of the events in D.C. tonight.
— Lia Assimakopoulos (@Lassimak) February 24, 2026
Some non-#Avs trade news:
All four guys who played in the gold medal game are back in Denver this morning. Brock Nelson skipped the White House/DC trip to come back here with his family.
All four players are expected to be with the team in Utah tomorrow.
— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) February 24, 2026
