Capitals RW T.J. Oshie expected to land on long-term IR

Washington Capitals right winger and alternate captain T.J. Oshie is expected to land on long-term injured reserve to begin the season.

The Capitals made the announcement Wednesday after Oshie completed his medical exam.

Oshie battled a chronic back injury last season, his ninth with the Caps, during which he tallied 37 points (12 goals, 25 assists) in 52 regular-season games.

It was the latest injury-plagued campaign for the 37-year-old, who has played in just 154 of the team's 246 regular season games (62.6 percent) over the past three seasons.

"The last season was challenging for me, my family, and my teammates," Oshie said in a team release Wednesday. "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. 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."

Oshie has been the Capitals' second-most productive player behind Alexander Ovechkin since joining the team in 2015.

He has recorded 385 points (192 goals, 193 assists) in 567 regular season games to go along with 60 points (29 goals, 31 assists) in 76 playoff contests. He notched eight goals and 13 assists during the 2018 postseason, which culminated in the franchise's lone Stanley Cup title to date.

Oshie will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason once his eight-year, $46 million deal expires.

For now, Capitals general manager Chris Patrick said the club will "support and assist" Oshie as he seeks a 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," Patrick said in a release. "Our organization fully backs him as he assesses his current health challenges."

Oshie has compiled 695 points (302 goals, 393 assists) in 1,010 regular season games across his 16-year career with the St. Louis Blues (2008-15) and Capitals. He has added 69 points (34 goals, 35 assists) in 106 playoff games.

--Field Level Media