After 16 seasons in the NHL, American forward T.J. Oshie has officially announced his retirement. The 38-year-old revealed the news at an emotional event held at Washington Harbour, the very same spot where seven years ago he celebrated winning the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals.
Oshie spent the 2024-25 season side lined due to a chronic back injury. This marked the final year of his eight-year contract with the Capitals, which was worth $46 million and signed back in 2017.
The ceremony was a family affair, with Oshie’s wife Lauren, their four children, Lyla, Leni, Lucy and Campbell, alongside his mother, siblings, and close teammates present to celebrate his career. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery and management were also in attendance, honouring a player who became a fan favourite for his dedication and heart on the ice.
Standing by the fountains at the waterfront, Oshie reminisced about that historic Stanley Cup win in 2018. “Those moments here were both emotional but in very different ways,” he said, recalling how he and teammates famously jumped into the fountain to celebrate with fans. “It really shows how much the fans mean to us and how big a part they are of our success.”
Drafted 24th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2005, Oshie played college hockey at the University of North Dakota before turning professional in 2008. He spent seven seasons with the Blues, scoring 310 points before being traded to the Capitals in 2015.
Oshie became internationally known for his performance at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where he scored four goals in a shootout to help the USA beat Russia in a thrilling match. This helped cement his reputation as a clutch player.
With Washington, Oshie thrived playing alongside stars like Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. He scored 385 points in 567 regular-season games and played a key role in the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup triumph, contributing 21 points in 24 playoff games.
Known for his relentless style despite his relatively small stature, 6 feet and 187 pounds, Oshie battled injuries in recent years, especially with his back, which limited his game time. Still, he reached a major milestone by playing his 1,000th NHL game in March 2024, becoming just the 62nd American player to do so.
Reflecting on his decision, Oshie said, “I was ready for this to be over. The last game was tough for the whole team and for me personally. Saying those words at the podium with my family and teammates here made it real. It’s emotional but I’m grateful for everything.”
From his early days in Minnesota to lifting hockey’s most coveted trophy, T.J. Oshie’s career has been a remarkable journey of grit and passion, a true inspiration for aspiring players everywhere.
Photo: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
