{ "blocks": [ { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Capitals star winger has been dealing with chronic back pain over the last couple of years, which will have him \"literally on the floor\" when he can't play." } }, { "type": "image", "data": { "file": { "url": "https://images.saymedia-content.com/.image/MjA5MDM0MDk1NDk2Mjc1NTY4/usatsi_23141119.jpg" }, "caption": "Geoff Burke — USA TODAY Sports - What's The Latest On T.J. Oshie? Capitals Forward's Future Will Be Determined Over Next Couple Of Weeks" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Washington Capitals are welcoming quite a few new faces to the mix this season, but they're still waiting on word regarding one of their most important veterans: T.J. Oshie." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Oshie's future in D.C. still hangs in the balance as he ponders whether or not to continue playing. While his heart is still in the game, the 37-year-old has been battling chronic back pain that has hindered him on and off the ice for years." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "\"It's different than just being sore. A broken hand is like a hangnail compared to what I go through with my back,\" Oshie said back in May. \"If I'm in a state where I can't play, I'm usually literally on the floor, peeing in water bottles. It sucks when that happens, and I can't pick up kids or do any of that until I go see (my chiropractor).\"" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Oshie provided an update on his back midway through the summer, saying that the list of long-term solutions for his pain was dwindling. He also acknowledged that if he couldn't find a permanent fix to the issue, he would likely have to step away." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "With just over two weeks to go until the start of training camp, the Capitals are still waiting on word regarding Oshie's next steps." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "\"It's still kind of up in the air,\" general manager Chris Patrick told NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. \"I think training camp is kind of our timeline to see where he's at.\"" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "For Oshie, the key date for him will be Sept. 18, when the veterans undergo physicals and off-ice testing prior to on-ice sessions. It is also possible he could join the team for informal skates ahead of camp to feel things out, though he has not been on the ice yet." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Oshie was limited to just 52 games last season, but still had 12 goals and 13 assists while playing a vital role as a key locker room presence and leader." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "For head coach Spencer Carbery, the hope is that Oshie can return, but if he doesn't, it will open up a vacancy on the roster that several young players can compete for." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "\"We know what that means to our team,\" Carbery told Gulitti regarding the possibility of Oshie's return. \"It's a huge boost, not only on the ice, but off the ice. Everybody knows how much he means to this organization and what he's able to bring for us as a team, and he showed that last year." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "\"Then, if he's not able to play, it's going to be some more opportunity.\"" } }, { "type": "delimiter", "data": {} }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "READ MORE ON THE HOCKEY NEWS" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "- Capitals announce training camp dates, Andrew Cristall headlines rookie camp in Annapolis" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "- Updates as Nic Dowd returns, joins Capitals informal skates" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "- Alex Ovechkin coming off strong summer of training, expectations for upcoming season" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "- Maple Leafs reportedly among contenders to sign former Capitals forward Max Pacioretty" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "- Latest on Capitals jersey plans as retro alternate all but confirmed" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "- Where does Jakub Vrana fit into the Capitals' plans this season?" } } ] }