In a move that brought both tears and cheers from the hockey world, the Washington Capitals have officially announced they will retire T.J. Oshie’s iconic jersey number 77, immortalizing one of the franchise’s most beloved warriors just days after he announced his retirement.
Oshie’s departure from the NHL marks the end of an era filled with grit, heart, and unforgettable moments. In his heartfelt announcement, he said, “The moment my skates touched the ice, I gave you everything I had.” And no one — not fans, teammates, or coaches — would argue otherwise. For nearly a decade in Washington, Oshie embodied everything it meant to wear the Capitals sweater: passion, toughness, leadership, and a relentless will to win.
He wasn’t just a key contributor on the ice, especially during the team’s historic 2018 Stanley Cup championship run — he was the soul of the locker room. Oshie’s fierce play, electric shootout skills, and emotional connection to fans made him a figure of admiration across the NHL. But in D.C., he was family.
The Capitals will hold a special jersey retirement ceremony next season at Capital One Arena, where number 77 will rise to the rafters — never to be worn again. It will stand as a permanent tribute to a man who left it all on the ice every single night.
From dazzling Olympic shootout heroics to blood-and-sweat playoff battles in red, white, and blue, T.J. Oshie gave the game — and Washington — his heart. And now, the Capitals are giving him the honor he’s earned for a lifetime.
