The Washington Capitals are expected to place forward T.J. Oshie on the long-term injury reserve (LTIR) list during the 2024-25 season, the team announced after Oshie completed a medical exam Wednesday.
“The last season was challenging for me, my family and my teammates as I dealt with a chronic back injury that kept me out of the lineup,” Oshie, 37, said in a statement. “I have used the offseason to explore and pursue long-term solutions for my injury.
“I remain committed to the process and am working and doing my best to regain total health. In the meantime, I will continue to help and support my teammates and the organization in any way I can. I greatly appreciate all of our fans’ support during this time.”
Oshie, the team’s alternate captain, has spent the last nine seasons with the Capitals, compiling 192 goals — the second-most goals on the team in that span, behind captain Alex Ovechkin.
“We will support and assist T.J. as he seeks a lasting solution for his recurring injury,” Capitals general manager Chris Patrick said in a statement Wednesday. “T.J. is a vital member of our team and continues to be an indispensable member of the organization and leadership group. Our organization fully backs him as he assesses his current health challenges.”
Oshie played in 52 games last season, notching 12 goals and 13 assists. He played his 1,000th career game on March 16 — against the Canucks in Vancouver — to become the 12th player in Capitals history to reach the mark while with the team.
How will Oshie’s absence impact Capitals?
So, the good news for the Capitals is that last season was essentially a trial run, as Oshie played in only 52 games and wasn’t close to the player he had been in previous seasons. His absence will be felt, especially in scoring depth, but the Capitals are better prepared this time.
Oshie remains a good offensive player. He scored 12 goals and 25 points last season despite his limited skating. What he might lack in mobility at this stage of his career, he more than makes up for with his hockey IQ and guile.
Perhaps more than on-ice production — remember, the Capitals were a surprise playoff participant last season even with Oshie minted and Nicklas Backstrom out for all but eight games — Oshie’s absence will be felt in the dressing room. To a player, the Capitals laud his leadership qualities, which have served them well since before their Stanley Cup win in 2018.
The Capitals were active in the offseason, trying to improve in multiple areas for a team that didn’t score much and allowed too many goals. They should be a better defensive team with their additions, but they will need to have some forwards emerge to boost an offense that can go stagnant when Ovechkin isn’t on a heater. — Rob Rossi, NHL senior writer
