A big unknown decision is looming for T.J. Oshie
Does he retire or give it another shot?
Today the Washington Capitals players held court with the local media one final time before gearing up for the offseason ahead. Alex Ovechkin said he plans on going to Dubai. That's good news for someone that's 41 goals from the record. But when the topic and podium shifted to T.J. Oshie, things sounded very grim.
“I’d love to play next year but I will need to come back with somewhat of a guarantee that my back won’t be…it’s hard putting everyone through this situation.”—T.J. Oshie on his playing future. The 37-year-old has another year on his contract with the #ALLCAPS. pic.twitter.com/U4PfYaoqae
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) April 30, 2024
"In my mind, I mean, it would be hard for me to ever say that I'm stepping away from the game. I'd love to play next year but I will need to come back with somewhat of a guarantee that my back won't be... It's hard putting everyone through this situation. From my family at home to the team, trying to figure out a lineup with young guys getting called up and going down. So I'd like to find an answer and a fix to the problem before I make another run at it."
Oshie has one more year left on his contract with the Caps that he signed via an extension in the summer of 2017. That cap hit is north of five million. Some say it was a bad extension but it was a vital contract at the time. No Oshie = no Cup in 2018 I believe. Still, he's 37 and the interview only gets worse from there.
Oshie had a double ablation last year but it was a short term solution. He also would add that when his back goes out, he's in such pain to the point that he's on the floor and peeing in water bottles. Even sadder than this is that he can't even pick up his own kids. And we know the Oshie's have a big family.
Oshie said that he broke his hand in Game 3 when he took a hard hit from Matt Rempe along the boards, squishing it in the process. Rempe was a pest the entire series and not only did he injure Oshie but he may have possibly ended his career.
Tom Wilson, future team captain and friend of Oshie added the following:
“That last game was pretty emotional, when you think there’s a slight possibility that you might not be able to battle with your brother (anymore)…You don’t want your last game with Osh to ever happen.”—Tom Wilson on T.J. Oshie’s uncertain future #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/2mvwbjyTFf
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) April 30, 2024
We've learned throughout the year Oshie was battling things behind the scenes. We were going to find out sooner or later. But hearing Dylan Strome the other night and Tom Wilson today, you can get the sense Oshie could've possibly played his last game. And that stings way more than a first round sweep. You never want to see an athlete go out like that.
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