T.J. Oshie makes strongest statement yet on whether NHL career will continue

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TJ Tucker
July 5, 2024 (10:45 PM)

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The Washington Capitals T.J. Oshie, a Stanley Cup winner and legend in international hockey, shares what it will take for him to continue his career in 2024-25

If T.J Oshie of the Washington Capitals decided to hang up his skates right now, he can hold his head high as he looks back on a solid NHL career. The 37-year-old got his name on hockey's ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup, in 2017-18 with the Caps, and had one of the most talked about Olumpic hockey moments ever with his spectacular shootout skills at the 2014 Winter Olympics for Team USA. That said, it's clear Oshie wants to continue. He's just not sure he can.

Oshie has been very open about his back issues, detailing moments where he had to lie on the floor and urinate in water bottles because he was simply unable to move. The exact cause of the pain has never been determined, and Oshie says doctors have tried everything.

"It goes without saying that the Capitals don't win in 2018 without TJ Oshie, and even though he had an informal goodbye after Game 4, the chances he comes back are dwindling fast. If this is it, he had a hell of a ride."

Still, Oshie, who is also recovering from a broken hand that he called "no big concern", told ESPN he will start training soon, and he very much wants to play in 2024-25, but won't if it means risking losing his mobility.

"Exploring every option we can. I obviously love the game and can play through a lot of different types of pain, but back pain and not being able to stand is a little bit different. We're working on it. We'll keep grinding and hopefully we'll find a solution."

It's a difficult decision to walk away from the sport you love so much, but it's another thing all together to risk the quality of a potentially long portion of your life. Washington has said Oshie will be supported in whatever decision he makes. Right now, he told ESPN he'll it's all about what happens at training, adding he's feels much better right now.

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