Washington Capitals winger T.J Oshie is ready to return to the ice from a concussion suffered from a hit to the head from San Jose’s Joe Thornton back on December 6th.
“I knew I wasn’t right,” Oshie said Monday (h/t ESPN). “You always want to get back earlier, but when you’re dealing with the head I think it’s better safe than sorry.”
Oshie missed 6 games and is expected to rejoin the lineup Tuesday night in Dallas.
“I’m pretty optimistic that I can go here, but we’ll go through all the right steps before we make it official,” Oshie said, referring to one final conversation with trainers. “I think you always want to get back earlier as a player and we’ve got a good staff and good docs that hold you back until you’re ready.”
Washington is happy to have him back on the ice.
“T.J.’s a real good player for us, he’s a big part of what we do and if he’s healthy and ready to go, I have no problem putting him in the lineup.” Caps’ coach Barry Trotz said.
“He’s been a terrific player for us since he’s been here.”
Oshie is in the first season of a $46 million, eight-year contract.