The Capitals alternate captain remains committed to finding a long-term solution.
The Capitals alternate captain remains committed to finding a long-term solution.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals face a major void in the locker room going into the 2024-25 season, as they have officially announced that T.J. Oshie will go on long term injured reserve due to his chronic back issues.
Oshie completed his physical on Wednesday, where the team, doctors and Oshie announced his status as injured and that he would not play to start the year. He continues to seek a long-term solution to his back injury, which have limited him greatly over the last handful of seasons.
"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. 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," Oshie said in a statement. "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."
General manager Chris Patrick said the team remains committed to the 37-year-old forward in any way possible.
“We will support and assist T.J. as he seeks a lasting solution for his recurring injury. 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," Patrick said.
In 567 total games over the last nine for the Capitals, Oshie has accrued 192 goals and 193 assists for 385 points, and he also won the Stanley Cup with the team in 2018. Last season, Oshie played in his 1,000th career game and also scored his 300th career goal.
Oshie said at the end of last season that his back pain was so severe that he would be "literally on the floor, peeing in water bottles," and that he has to go through an intense amount of work in order to play in games.
This is the final year of Oshie's contract, and his $5.75 million salary will not count against the team while he is on LTIR.
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