The Washington Capitals surprised everyone by re-signing T.J. Oshie on Friday evening. Here’s a look at the fans’ reactions.
It’s official. T.J. Oshie will be a member of the Washington Capitals for (hopefully) the next eight years. On Friday evening, just before the NHL Draft, the Caps signed the pending unrestricted free agent to an eight-year deal worth $46 million. This deal has a $5.75 million annual cap hit. Capitals fans had a variety of reactions to the deal.
Some fans were jubilant beyond description. And rightfully so, as Oshie became a fan favorite in the nation’s capital during his initial two year stay. He’s coming off a career season and formed impressive chemistry with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. Sure, he’s 30 years old, but at the same time, he helps the Capitals be a better team right now. And with an aging core, winning now is in Washington’s best interest.
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On the other hand, other fans weren’t too excited. They’re focusing more on the term of the deal. And they are justified to feel that way. Eight years for Oshie is far too much. He’ll be 38 years old when his contract is up. Even though the contract should be relatively easy to buy out after the first three years, getting rid of it will be very tough, if not impossible.
Oshie’s deal could prevent the Capitals from re-signing Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov and Andre Burakovsky long-term. The first two shouldn’t be impacted, but the third might have to be a cap casualty at some point.
Let’s take a look at all of the reactions fans had. Oshie’s back in Washington, and whether it’s a positive reaction or a negative one, fans are passionate about it.
i'm going to be 26 years old when TJ Oshie's contract expires and idk if that's a good thing or not
— dom (@moonwakemavis) June 24, 2017
Please accept my apologies. It's really difficult to post this while thrusting pantsless at the news of T.J. Oshie re-signing with the Caps.
— Homer McFanboy (@HomerMcFanboy) June 23, 2017
I get it, Oshie isn't young. But you have to maximize 8/19 years and they don't make this signing unless confident in keeping 92/9.
— RockTheRed (@RockTheRed) June 23, 2017
When you get off the plane from a cross country flight and see that the the Caps re-signed TJ Oshie for less than $6m AAV pic.twitter.com/r8BxQNZWf1
— RockTheRed (@RockTheRed) June 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/averagecapsfan/status/878381183524057088
https://twitter.com/JohnnyObeid/status/878367192105877504
Paying TJ Oshie $5.75M AAV is reasonable for the next few seasons. Paying him at age 38 is tough. But if they win a Cup soon? Priceless.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) June 23, 2017
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It’s simple, really. If Oshie wins a Stanley Cup with the Capitals, his contract will be seen as a huge success. But if they don’t, it will be seen as nothing less than an albatross. No pressure though, Mr. Oshie.