T.J. Oshie, the Washington Capitals' beloved right winger and a hero of the 2014 Sochi Olympics, has announced his retirement from the NHL after 16 seasons. The announcement was made on Monday, June 9, 2025, in front of a crowd of fans gathered at Washington Harbour in Georgetown, a location that holds special significance as the site of the Capitals' Stanley Cup victory celebration in 2018.

Oshie, 38, spent the final nine seasons of his NHL career with the Capitals after being traded from the St. Louis Blues in 2015. He played a total of 1,010 regular-season games, amassing 302 goals and 393 assists for 695 points. In 106 playoff games, he added 34 goals and 35 assists, contributing significantly to the Capitals' historic 2018 Stanley Cup run.

"After 17 unforgettable years in the NHL, I've decided to retire," Oshie said in a statement. "I would like to thank the Washington Capitals and the St. Louis Blues for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love, all of my teammates who battled with me every night, my coaches who challenged me to be better every day, and the athletic trainers and equipment staff who got me ready to play. I also want to thank the fans – your energy and passion made every game memorable, and it was an honour to play in front of you."

Oshie's career was marked by clutch performances and an infectious energy that made him a fan favorite. He was known for his exceptional shootout skills, ranking among the league's all-time leaders in shootout goals and percentage. His international fame soared during the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where he scored four times in a shootout against Russia, securing a dramatic victory for Team USA and earning him the nickname "T.J. Sochi."

Beyond his on-ice accomplishments, Oshie was admired for his character and leadership. He played a key role in the Capitals' locker room, helping to create a winning culture. He was also actively involved in the community, supporting various charitable causes, particularly those related to Alzheimer's disease, in honor of his late father, Tim Oshie, who passed away in 2021 after battling the illness.

The Washington Capitals and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation presented Oshie with a $10,000 donation to the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation in recognition of his career and in honor of his father. Oshie has also donated a portion of proceeds from his company, Warroad Hockey Co., to Alzheimer research and youth hockey programs in Warroad, Minnesota.

Oshie's retirement comes after he spent the 2024-25 season on long-term injured reserve due to a nagging back injury. His last game was on April 28, 2024, against the New York Rangers, a 4-2 loss that eliminated the Capitals in the first round of the playoffs.

"I was fully prepared that could be my last game," Oshie said, reflecting on his final appearance. "I got the pictures taken of me taking off the skates to prove it. I hadn't thought too much about (the end), honestly, besides that moment."

With T.J. Oshie's departure, the NHL loses not only a skilled player but also a respected leader and a true ambassador for the game. His legacy will endure through his memorable moments on the ice and his positive impact on the community.