Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette announced Monday morning following the team’s morning skate that forward T.J. Oshie will miss the remainder of the season.
TJ Oshie will miss the remainder of the season, coach Peter Laviolette said. Didn’t have an answer whether he needs offseason surgery.
Alex Ovechkin is also OUT tonight. Laviolette called him day-to-day/week-to-week, but there’s only 3 regular season games left.
— Ethan Cadeaux (@Ethan_Cadeaux) April 10, 2023
Oshie logged six shifts and 6:07 of time on ice in the first frame against the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 30, but did not return for the second period.
Oshie has 19 goals and 16 assists in 58 games this season. He has missed 22 games due to injury.
After being limited to just 44 games played last season, mostly due to injury, Oshie left the Capitals preseason game against the St. Louis Blues with an upper body injury on October 5, but was able to return for opening night against the Bruins on October 12.
Oshie left the Predators game on October 29 with a lower body injury and did not return to the lineup until November 23 against the Flyers.
Oshie also suffered a non-contact upper body injury against the Maple Leafs on December 17 that had him miss the remainder of December.
Ovi should sit out remaining games as well.
My guess is that Ovi is out tomorrow, too. Even TVR and Mantha are more ready to go for tomorrow as they are now in “no contact” jerseys. But they should probably do a “contact” practice before they return.
Bubble wrap should sponsor this team. Or at least become the secondary logo.
Either that or Gorilla Glue and Tape!
Lingering back issues is not great. Osh is my favorite Capital. I hope he gets plenty of rest/recovery and can play next season but who knows. All these injuries and changes coming to the team and possibly coaching make for a very busy, uncertain offseason for the Caps for sure.
I love Oshie too but it’s hard to fight against age and injuries. Whatever happens next season or two, keep Oshie in the Caps organization when his playing days are done if he wants it.
If the Caps would but out both Backy and Oshie it would greatly help for the future. Both could stay part of the organization with Backy possible an assistant coach and Oshie a scout. Both would be high priced but would be off the books as a player thus clearing a lot of cap room.
Buying out would result in a lot of dead money. Plus, you can’t buy out injured players. I know Toronto has sent guys to “Robidas Island” in the past, meaning permanent LTIR. Question is .. will TJ Oshie and/or Backstrom pass their physicals for next season? Failing a camp physical could be career ending or at least non-roster injured reserve.
Extremely depressing times in CapsLand. Gotta go back to the Glen Hanlon days to find a worse year!
We’re counting on NovaCapsFans and Staff to provide optimism! There IS reason for optimism in CapsLand, but with 3 games to go in the Disaster Season, it’s all about suffering.
Until the offseason hits with maybe a new Coaching Staff, the NHL Draft, and roster upgrade leading into Training Camp.
Even in 2003-04, when they got rid of all the veterans, fans maybe were looking forward to seeing how rookies Boyd Gordon and Alex Semin would do.
I have plenty of optimism going forward. Been dealt a shit hand this year. And really the last 4 years. Glad we folded this year and got value for some players. Next year I suspect will be completely different.
I’m reserving my optimism until I see who are all behind the bench. Even extending to goalie coach, trainers, etc.
Here’s my shocked face:
😲😲😲😲
So the question is, is Oshie still a valued asset for the Caps for 45-50 games next season? I say yes.
I say yes as well. But his real value comes in the playoffs.
Backy and Oshie aren’t dumb. They won’t give up money for nothing (would be foolish) but they also know their cap hits hurt the team if they don’t play.
So if they think they can play and contribute then they will and we will have to deal with it. Good news is we have depth through Hershey so if needed, we can backfil.
But we won’t be able to add top tier players. Which is why i hope we trade Kuzy and Mantha to free up cash AND AND get assets in return which both will provide.
Yes, definitely. He is a driver of team chemistry, leadership, and a great locker room presence that is just as important as his on ice play. But the fancy stat people don’t really understand roles and all the facets of the game that must be put together for a winning team..
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