Skip to content

'Exhausted' Matthews won't play for USA at World Championship

Geoff Burke / USA Today Sports

Auston Matthews needs a break.

The Toronto Maple Leafs center and likely winner of the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie decided against representing Team USA at the World Championship, saying he's "exhausted" from the grind of a long season, according to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet.

Here's what his year has looked like:

Matthews is expected to spend some time with his family before getting back to work in the offseason.

The 19-year-old led all rookies with 40 goals and 69 points this season, and recorded an additional four goals and one assist in six playoff games.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox