Tom Wilson wasn’t able to attend TJ Oshie’s retirement ceremony at the Washington Harbour on Monday, but he made sure to make his longtime Washington Capitals teammate feel appreciated in an Instagram post.
“Osh Babe, Sevens, Right Side… This doesn’t feel real as I type this but I guess all great things must come to an end,” Wilson wrote. “I want to say thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I’ve looked up to you since our first day as teammates and I always will. Thank you for what you gave to our team and this city. You never took one shift off. Thank you for making it fun to come to the rink every day, I will never forget all our laughs and times together. Thank you for treating my family like yours, I hope Teddy and Bubs can play together one day in The League.
“I look forward to watching you continue to succeed at everything you do in the future and I’m always rooting for you, Lauren, Lyla, Leni, Campbell and Lucy. Love ya brother! Congrats on one hell of a ride.”
Oshie replied to the post, saying, “Right side!!! Love you brother. ❤️”
Wilson was close friends with Oshie during his playing career. The two shared a ridiculous pregame ritual where they gave each other butt taps with their sticks to hype each other up. When games began, the duo would be a one-two punch in the team’s top six — both physically and offensively. Wilson also mirrored Oshie’s play, as an all-situations player.
Last year, after the Capitals were swept by the New York Rangers in the playoffs, Wilson spoke about the harsh reality that he may have played his last game with Oshie.
Tom Wilson: It was tough, you know? I’m close enough with him to know it’s not going to just be a predictable future for him. It hasn’t been. He’s been battling and clawing and fighting for every inch, fighting for every game at times to get in and leave it all out there.
That last game, it was pretty emotional. You’d think there’s a slight possibility that you may not be able to battle with your brother and really close friend and teammate. It’s pretty emotional.
And obviously, you don’t really know. I hope he can get to a place where he feels like he’s good enough to go. Every day with him is an absolute pleasure and privilege. I’ve learned so much from him. It’s one of those guys that towards the end of the year, I’m like, ‘I’m going to leave it all out there because I don’t want to stop playing with you.’ You don’t want your last game with Osh to ever happen.
It’s one of those things where if he’s good to go, I’m going to be the happiest guy on the planet. He’s a guy we love having around. I’m hoping his health and everything gets back
Like he said, it’s been a tough go for him and it’s a testament to his character and his durability how much he’s done for this team. It’s pretty selfless to leave your body on the line every minute of every game just for to win games. It’s pretty selfless, amazing thing you don’t find very often.
Other past and former Capitals players (this guy totally counts) wished Oshie well on social media.
