T.J. Oshie Joins NBC as Olympics Hockey Analyst
Former Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues forward T.J. Oshie is lacing up a new pair of skates—this time, in the broadcasting world. After a storied 16-season NHL career that culminated in a Stanley Cup victory in 2018, Oshie announced his retirement last June and is now stepping into the spotlight as a studio analyst for NBC's coverage of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Paired with veteran broadcaster Anson Carter, Oshie will provide insider insights from NBC's Stamford, Connecticut studio, marking his first foray into Olympic commentary.
Oshie's Journey from the Rink to the Booth
T.J. Oshie, the 39-year-old Ojibwe right wing, built a legacy defined by clutch performances and unwavering team spirit. Drafted 24th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2005, Oshie amassed 695 points (302 goals, 393 assists) over 1,010 regular-season games split between the Blues and Capitals from 2008 to 2024. His crowning achievement came in 2018 when he helped lead the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup, contributing 21 points in the playoffs and embodying the gritty, heart-on-sleeve style that endeared him to fans.
But Oshie's international stardom truly ignited at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Representing Team USA, he became an overnight sensation during a thrilling 3-2 shootout win over Russia in the preliminary round. Under international rules allowing unlimited attempts in sudden-death shootouts, Oshie stepped up four times against Sergei Bobrovsky, burying four goals on six shots. That performance not only secured the victory but also turned him into a symbol of American resilience on the global stage.
Now, retired and easing into broadcasting, Oshie has already dipped his toes into analysis work with ESPN and Monumental Sports Network for Capitals games. 'I'm definitely more comfortable on the ice than behind the desk,' Oshie admitted in a recent interview. Yet, his excitement for the Olympics is palpable. 'To still be a part of that, obviously the Olympics and representing USA, was one of the highlights of my career. So to do it for NBC, who was so great to me back in 2014, to join the team, cover the team and cover the games... it's great.'
Teaming Up with Anson Carter
Oshie won't be flying solo in the studio. He'll join forces with Anson Carter, a seasoned NHL analyst for 'NHL on TNT' and a two-time Olympic broadcaster for NBC. Carter, who played 674 NHL games across eight teams from 1996 to 2007, brings a wealth of experience, including scoring the gold-medal-winning goal for Canada in overtime against Sweden at a previous international tournament. At 51, Carter views the 2026 Games as a pinnacle event, especially with NHL players returning after their absence in recent Olympics.
'Having NHL players take it to a whole different level... the expectations are really through the roof,' Carter said. The duo's chemistry could provide viewers with a mix of Oshie's player perspective and Carter's polished commentary, offering breakdowns of strategies, player matchups, and the high-stakes drama of Olympic hockey.
Previewing the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, opening on February 6, mark the NHL's return to the Olympics after a hiatus since 2014. This resurgence follows the success of the 4 Nations Face-Off, heightening anticipation for what promises to be the most competitive men's hockey tournament in years. Team USA boasts a loaded roster, including stars like Jack Eichel, Jack Hughes, and Jake Guentzel—players Oshie believes could carry the shootout torch he once held.
'You look at that lineup and it's kind of hard to choose one guy,' Oshie mused. 'Eichel's reach, I could see him going multiple times. Hughes, Guentzel is a very good scorer... they have plenty of options.' While shootouts add unpredictability, Oshie predicts a tightly contested tournament where every shift counts. With powerhouse nations like Canada, Sweden, and the USA vying for gold, the studio coverage will be crucial for fans seeking context beyond the ice.
Spotlight on Women's Coverage with Saroya Tinker
While Oshie and Carter focus on the men's tournament for NBC, the women's side gets its own expert touch via CBC with Saroya Tinker. A retired professional women's player turned broadcaster, Tinker will offer studio analysis for the first time at the Olympics. Her inclusion highlights the growing emphasis on diverse voices in hockey media, paralleling Oshie's own journey as an Indigenous athlete breaking barriers.
The 2026 Games will feature intense women's matchups, with teams like Canada and the USA expected to dominate. Tinker's insights could shed light on the nuances of the faster-paced women's game, drawing parallels to the men's competition and enriching overall coverage.
Why Oshie's Role Matters for Hockey Fans
Oshie's transition underscores a broader trend: retired stars leveraging their expertise to grow the sport. In an era where NHL viewership competes with global entertainment, his authentic voice—rooted in real triumphs and trials—could draw in casual fans and die-hards alike. From dissecting power plays to sharing locker-room anecdotes, Oshie promises to make the Olympics feel accessible and exhilarating.
As the Games approach, hockey enthusiasts can follow NHL.com's dedicated Olympics hub for schedules, stats, and player spotlights. Oshie's debut isn't just a broadcasting milestone; it's a full-circle moment for a player who redefined shootouts and Stanley Cup chases. Whether he's calling the action or reminiscing about Sochi, one thing's clear: T.J. Oshie is still scoring big for Team USA.
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