Capitals' T.J. Oshie Moved to Long-Term Injured Reserve Due to Persistent Back Problems

Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie is set to miss the upcoming season because of a chronic back injury, and he has been moved to long-term injured reserve.

Oshie's back problem has been a recurring issue for years, which restricted his participation to only 52 games last season. A medical assessment during the opening day of the Capitals' training camp revealed that the injury had worsened, prompting both Oshie and the team to mutually decide it's best for him to take a break from playing.

In a statement, Oshie, who is 37 years old, mentioned that the previous season had been challenging for him, his family, and his teammates. He spent the offseason looking into long-term solutions for his injury and is committed to regaining his health. Although he is stepping away from playing, he will continue to support his teammates and the organization.

Oshie's performance has declined in recent years due to his injuries, leading the Capitals to focus on nurturing their younger players. Despite this shift, Oshie had hoped to extend his playing career.

He mentioned in April that he would love to play the next year but needed assurance that his back would not be an issue, expressing a desire to find a solution before making another attempt at playing.

In 2023, Oshie underwent a minor procedure on his back, which provided only temporary relief. He has also been collaborating with Dr. Kerry Johnson to manage his pain.

The pain has escalated, significantly affecting Oshie's quality of life. He shared that he struggles with basic tasks, such as picking up his children.

Chris Patrick, the Capitals' General Manager, stated that Oshie is a vital team member and respected leader, and they will support him as he seeks a lasting solution. He remains indispensable to the organization.

Oshie has one year left on his contract

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