Playing 16 seasons in the NHL is a huge achievement. But when you’ve had a career like T.J. Oshie, a long-time star for the Washington Capitals, you’ve done more than enough to make your mark in hockey history.
On Monday, Oshie announced his retirement in a special ceremony in Washington D.C. His journey, both in the NHL and internationally, has left a lasting impact on the sport.
A Strong Start with the St. Louis Blues
Oshie began his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues, who drafted him in 2005. Over seven seasons, he became known as a dangerous scorer and a shootout specialist. He scored at least 34 points in six of those seven years, with his only lower total coming from an injury that kept him out for part of a season. In 2015, Oshie was traded to the Washington Capitals, where he would go on to make even more of an impact.
International Glory: The 2014 Sochi Olympics
One of Oshie’s most unforgettable moments came at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. In a dramatic shootout against Russia, Oshie was called upon five times in a row, and he delivered. He scored four times, including the game-winning shot in the eighth round, leading Team USA to a 3-2 victory. This performance became a legendary moment in Olympic hockey history.
Oshie played for Team USA in multiple international tournaments, including the Olympics, World Cup of Hockey, and the World Championship. In 28 games, he scored 8 goals and 15 points, proving himself as a reliable and consistent performer on the international stage.
A Memorable Career with the Capitals
When Oshie joined the Capitals, he quickly became a fan favourite. In his first season with Washington, he scored 26 goals and posted 51 points, which was a career-high. Over the next few years, Oshie continued to perform at a high level, including a career-best 33 goals and 56 points in the 2016-17 season.
However, it was his performance in the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs that defined his legacy. Oshie helped lead the Capitals to their first-ever Stanley Cup victory, recording 8 goals and 21 points in 24 playoff games. This victory was even more special for Oshie because it was shared with his father, Tim Oshie, who was battling Alzheimer’s disease.
After the win, Oshie gave an emotional tribute to his father, who passed away in 2021. “He doesn’t remember a lot of stuff. But…you bet your ass he’s going to remember this one,” Oshie said, a moment that fans will never forget.
Giving Back to Alzheimer’s Research
In honour of his father’s memory, Oshie has been involved in Alzheimer’s fundraising and awareness. On the day of his retirement announcement, the Capitals and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation presented him with a $10,000 donation to the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.
A Fitting Retirement Location
One of the most fun moments from the Capitals’ Cup victory was when Oshie and his teammates jumped into Washington Harbour’s fountain with the Stanley Cup. It only seemed fitting that Oshie’s retirement announcement also took place at that same spot, forever linking him to that special moment in Capitals’ history.
T.J. Oshie’s Career Numbers
In his 1,010 regular-season NHL games, Oshie scored 302 goals and 695 points. He also made an impact in the playoffs, with 34 goals and 69 points in 106 games. His career is a huge inspiration, especially for Indigenous peoples, as Oshie’s Ojibwe roots showed that anything is possible through hard work and dedication.
While injuries took a toll on Oshie in his later years, limiting him to only 207 games in his final four seasons, his heart, skill, and leadership made him one of the most beloved players in hockey. His unforgettable moments on the ice will live on for many years to come.
