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T.J. Oshie has grown into the kind of player that he never could’ve if he stayed in St. Louis. The Blues have Vladimir Tarasenko, but there’s something to be said for playing on a line with Alexander Ovechkin. In seven seasons with the Blues, he cracked 20 goals once in the 2013-2014 season. With the Capitals, he’s broken that mark four times - scoring 30 goals in 2016-2017. He was named to the NHL All-Star team this season and had an opportunity to return to the city that he grew up in as a player and one that loved him while he was here - and after he left.
Well, ok, unless you’re Bernie Miklasz, and then you “kicked him in the nuts on the way out.” Tyler had a hell of a lot of fun going after Bernie for that hot take, and it’s nice to be proven right in the long term.
“What has TJ Oshie ever won?” We know the answer to Bernie’s question now - it’s a Stanley Cup, a full year before the Blues did. Blues fans and columnist Jeff Gordon dwelt on the obvious sting of the trade at the time - though now, having the cap space to re-up Patrik Berglund and Vladimir Sobotka also doesn’t seem like a bad thing either.
Everything worked out ok for the Blues, Caps, and Oshie in the end, didn’t it?
But this isn’t about how it worked out, it’s about the process. Teej was a rock star in St. Louis when he was here and he’s still beloved. We all have memories of him that we can look back fondly on.
The T.J. Oshie Hit Double Feature? Don’t mind if I do pull this one out of the archives.
Someone writing in Oshie as his mayoral vote? Not the worst decision.
Oshie oversleeping and then getting the talk about responsibility from Barret Jackman?
OSHIE DOWN!
That poor little girl that cried when he was traded?
I think my moment may be similar to most of yours. T.J. Sochi was a thing of beauty. It’s a shame Team USA petered out against Finland.
Anyone have any other favorite Osh moments?