NHL: T.J. Oshie Announces Retirement

After 16 years in the NHL, T.J. Oshie announced his retirement Monday afternoon. Fittingly, it’s the same day that seven years ago, he hoisted the Stanley Cup with his teammates, the Washington Capitals. T.J. Oshie’s career is littered with experiences and moments he won’t soon forget. From the contract Oshie signed after being drafted 24th overall in 2005, his first NHL game on October 10, 2008, to his trade to the Washington Capitals in 2015, and his last game on April 28, 2024.

“After 17 unforgettable years in the NHL, I’ve decided to retire,” said T.J. Oshie. “I would like to thank the Washington Capitals and the St. Louis Blues for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love, all of my teammates who battled with me every night, my coaches who challenged me to be better every day, and the athletic trainers and equipment staff who got me ready to play. I also want to thank the fans your energy and passion made every game memorable, and it was an honour to play in front of you.”

His Story

Oshie began playing hockey as a child in his home state of Washington. During his high school years, the Oshie family relocated to Minnesota, where his career started to take off. During his Senior year of High School in 2005, T.J. would enter the NHL draft, where he would be picked by the St. Louis Blues 24th overall. Oshie would choose to continue his education, gaining more experience in the NCAA with the University of North Dakota. During his time with UND, Oshie would set a school record and be named to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association All-Rookie team. Oshie saw 128 games with 59 goals, 83 assists, and 142 points.

Entering the NHL

Once Oshie was ready, he debuted with the St. Louis Blues in 2008, playing 443 games in his seven seasons there. Oshie would accumulate 110 goals, 200 assists, and 310 points while on the Blues. In 2013, the Blues organization selected Oshie as an Alternate Captain. Oshie wore the “A” until he was traded to the Washington Capitals.

In 2015, Oshie joined what would be his last NHL team. Oshie was part of the trade by St. Louis for Troy Brouwer, Pheonix Copley, and Washington’s 3rd round pick. Showing his ability to lead during his first year in Washington, Oshie would wear the “A” for one more season. The following year, he would pass on the torch, only to be awarded the “A” in the 2021-22 season. Oshie would wear the A until the end of his career.

Playing over 567 games with the Capitals put Oshie in the history books as the ninth-most point holder with 385. With 193 goals accumulated during this time, 76 of those power-play goals ranked Oshie with the fifth-most in franchise history. Oshies’ assistance would closely follow his Goals at 192. Oshie would be immortalized with the Capitals as part of the team that won the 2016 Presidents Trophy. Followed by NHL immortality by winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. During his last few seasons, Oshie began to experience back issues after sustaining game-related injuries. As little things added up, it was decided that it was best for Oshie to go on the LTIR.

Oshie’s Heart

Oshie’s impact extends beyond the ice. The contributions to the hockey community go beyond his local hockey community. Oshie has always been one to give to charities or spend time supporting causes that are close to his heart. His involvement with several Alzheimer’s initiatives that fundraise, educate, and raise awareness is particularly noteworthy. T.J.’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014 and passed in May of 2021. After his father’s passing, Oshie returned to the ice and scored a hat trick in the first game back, a powerful tribute to his father’s memory. Oshie’s commitment to giving back to the hockey community is evident in his regular donations to Warroad Hockey Co and youth hockey programs in Warroad, Minnesota.

The Oshies plan to stay local to the Capitals, and with that, fans hope to see him in a coaching or staff capacity in the future.