Washington (AP) – T.J. Oshie, who netted four goals in a high-stakes shootout, announced his retirement on Monday after a remarkable 16-season journey in the NHL. He played a pivotal role in the U.S. team’s victory over host Russia during the 2014 Sochi Olympics and contributed significantly to the Washington Capitals’ Stanley Cup win in 2018.
Oshie delivered his retirement message to a crowd of several hundred fans gathered at the fountain in Georgetown’s Washington Harbor.
Supporting Oshie during this moment were Hockey President Brian McClellan, General Manager Chris Patrick, Spencer Carbery, along with longtime teammates Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson.
“My only role today was to ensure this was a memorable occasion,” Oshie stated.
T.J. Oshie poses for selfies with fans after announcing his retirement at Washington Harbor on June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
The announcement had been anticipated for months, following the expiration of Oshie’s contract. At 38 years old, he missed the last season due to ongoing injuries, spending the year on long-term injured reserve.
Oshie expressed hope in the spring of 2024 that he might return if a permanent solution to his injuries could be found. His final game took place at home against the New York Rangers on April 28 of last year, where his team suffered a 4-2 defeat in the first round, resulting in a sweep.
“I was completely aware that it might be my last game. I took off my skates and captured some moments to remember it,” Oshie noted. “Honestly, apart from that moment, I didn’t dwell much on the end, and even prior to that, I was aware of the challenge we were all facing.”
Selected 24th overall in the 2005 draft by St. Louis, Oshie played 1,116 regular season and playoff games since his debut in 2008, spanning both the Blues and Capitals. He achieved 336 goals and 428 assists, accumulating 764 points, with 21 points during the Capitals’ Cup run.
Oshie gained international recognition during the Olympics, famously dubbed “TJ Sochi” for going 4 for 6 in shootouts against Sergei Bobrovsky during the U.S.-Russia preliminary round game in that tournament.
USA forward TJ Oshie celebrates scoring the winning shootout goal against Russia at the 2014 Winter Olympics. (AP Photos/Mark Humphrey, Files)
U.S. Olympic coach Dan Bylsma believed that Oshie was the ideal choice for a shootout scenario. Bylsma repeatedly turned to him for his exceptional skills.
“TJ thrived during the season’s shootouts. Based on our scouting report on Bobrovsky, we saw a great opportunity,” Bylsma remarked to The Associated Press on Monday. “Even when he missed, his moves would still challenge Bobrovsky, so we kept going back to him.”
In the NHL, Oshie’s greatest influence was after being traded from the Blues to the Capitals in 2015. He quickly established himself as a key leader in the lineup alongside Alex Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Carlson, helping the team reach the playoffs in each of his eight seasons with Washington.
“I owe my success to my teammates; without them, I wouldn’t have achieved as much. They deserve my utmost credit,” Oshie stated.
Oshie holds the franchise record with 76 power-play goals in D.C. and scored 49 goals in shootouts, tying for third-most since the shootout’s introduction in 2005.
“I played for my teammates, coaches, family, and fans. I rarely thought about personal accolades,” Oshie reflected. “To be remembered as a ‘warrior-type player’ is a great honor, which aligns perfectly with how I aimed to play the game.”
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Contributions from AP hockey writer Stephen Whyno in Sunrise, Florida, aided in this report.
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Source: apnews.com