Washington Capitals veteran forward T.J. Oshie, renowned for his memorable shootout performance for the U.S. at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and his crucial role in the Capitals` 2018 Stanley Cup championship, announced his retirement on Monday after a distinguished 16-season career in the NHL.
Oshie shared the news with hundreds of fans gathered at the fountains at Washington Harbour in Georgetown. This location held special significance, being exactly seven years after a celebrated moment in hockey history when he and several teammates famously jumped into the fountains during the 2018 Cup celebrations.
Key figures from the Capitals organization, including President of Hockey Operations Brian MacLellan, General Manager Chris Patrick, coach Spencer Carbery, and long-standing teammates Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson, attended the announcement to support Oshie as he concluded his playing days.
“My only contribution was that this could be a good day and place to have (the ceremony),” Oshie commented. He added, “I can’t thank the Caps enough. Another first-class move by them to have my retirement here, invite all the people out. It really made this day special.”
The retirement was widely anticipated, particularly as Oshie`s contract was nearing its end. The 38-year-old forward was unable to play at all during the past season due to a persistent back injury that led to him being placed on long-term injured reserve.
In the spring of 2024, Oshie had stated that his return to the Capitals would only be possible if he found a permanent solution or fix for his back issue. His final game proved to be a home match on April 28 of the previous year against the New York Rangers, a game Washington lost 4-2, resulting in a first-round playoff sweep.
“I was fully prepared that could be my last game: I got the pictures taken of me taking off the skates to prove it,” Oshie revealed. “I hadn’t thought too much about (the end), honestly, besides that moment. Even before that moment, knowing how tough it was on really the whole team with me, what I was going through, actually saying the words out loud at the podium with my family in front of me and the Caps organization, my teammates, all my close friends, it was emotional.”
Originally drafted 24th overall by St. Louis in 2005, Oshie debuted in the league in 2008. Over his career with the Blues and Capitals, he played 1,116 regular-season and playoff games, accumulating 336 goals and 428 assists for a total of 764 points. He was a significant offensive contributor during Washington’s 2018 Cup run, recording 21 points.
His performance on the international stage earned him the nickname “T.J. Sochi,” stemming from his exceptional showing at the 2014 Olympics where he successfully converted four of six shootout attempts against Russia`s Sergei Bobrovsky during a preliminary round game.
“I like to think that when I was playing, that I was playing for my teammates, for my coaches, for my family, for my fans. I rarely thought about my own accolades,” Oshie stated. He added that being remembered as a “warrior” type of player is a “huge honour” because it aligns with his approach and goals in the game.
Oshie`s most significant impact in the NHL followed his trade from the Blues to the Capitals in 2015. He quickly became a vital leader and integrated seamlessly into the core group alongside Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and John Carlson, helping the team reach the playoffs in eight of his nine seasons in Washington.
“I’ll be the first to give credit to my teammates, because without them, I was nowhere near good enough to do it without a group like that,” Oshie emphasized.
He leaves a lasting mark on the Capitals franchise, ranking fifth all-time with 76 power-play goals. His 49 career shootout goals are tied for third all-time in the NHL since the format`s introduction in 2005.
