Rick Nash announced his retirement following concerns over concussion issues after a 15-year career. The Columbus Blue Jackets chose Nash with the first overall pick in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
He made his debut that year and scored in his debut. Nash spent nine years in Columbus before eventually getting traded to the New York Rangers. During his five-plus years in New York, Nash made the playoffs five times and appeared in one Stanley Cup Final, which the Rangers lost to the Los Angeles Kings. The Boston Bruins acquired Nash at the trade deadline this past year for a package centered around Ryan Spooner and a first-round pick.
He once again made the playoffs with Boston before the Bruins fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round of the playoffs. Nash’s time in Boston had several memorable moments, namely a save he made in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes and a two-goal game he had in Game 1 against the Bolts.
Nash totaled 437 goals and 805 points in his lengthy career and made to the All-Star Game six times. He also scored 18 playoff goals and 46 playoff points.
Concussions were a major concern throughout his career, with one shelving him for a majority of his time in Boston during his final season. Nash went unsigned this past summer before eventually retiring.
