WASHINGTON – T.J. Oshie, recognized for his four goals in the shootout that gave the United States the victory over Russia at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and for his contribution to the Washington Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup triumph, announced his retirement this Monday after 16 seasons in the NHL.
The announcement was made in front of hundreds of fans gathered at the fountains of the Washington Harbour in Georgetown, exactly seven years after one of the most memorable celebrations in hockey history, when Oshie and several teammates jumped into the fountains to celebrate.
In attendance at the event were the president of hockey operations, Brian MacLellan; the general manager, Chris Patrick; the coach, Spencer Carbery; and teammates Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson, who showed their support for Oshie at this time.“My only contribution was that this could be a good day and place to have (the ceremony),” Oshie said, adding: “I can’t thank the Caps enough. Another first-class move on their part to have my retirement here, inviting all the people. It really made this day special.”
T.J. Oshie
The news was expected, given that Oshie’s contract had expired. The 38-year-old player did not participate last season due to a persistent back injury that kept him on and off the court, leading him to the long-term injured reserve.
Oshie had stated in the spring of 2024 that he would only return to the Capitals if he found a definitive solution to his back problem. His last game was at home on April 28 of last year against the New York Rangers, a 4-2 defeat in the first round of the playoffs that eliminated Washington. Oshie, selected 24th overall in the 2005 draft by the St. Louis Blues, played 1,116 regular season and playoff games in the league with the Blues and the Capitals since his debut in 2008. He accumulated 336 goals and 428 assists, totaling 764 points, including 21 points during Washington’s Cup run. Oshie gained international recognition at the Olympic Games, earning the nickname “T.J. Sochi” for his performance in the shootout against Sergei Bobrovsky during the preliminary round game between the United States and Russia in that tournament. In the NHL, his biggest impact came after being traded from the Blues to the Capitals in 2015. Oshie took on an immediate leadership role as a key addition to the core of Alex Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Carlson, helping the team reach the playoffs in eight of his nine seasons in the capital. Oshie’s 76 power-play goals in D.C. place him fifth in franchise history. He scored 49 times in the shootout, tied for third all-time since it was implemented in 2005.The Instagram post description is:
Title of the publication
