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Rick Nash Retires From Hockey

After consulting with doctors following a concussion last season, former New York Rangers Rick Nash has retired from hockey, according to agent Joe Resnick.

It’s a sad, anti-climactic ending to what was an otherwise superlative NHL career. The former #1 overall pick was a six-time NHL All-Star and was the league’s top goal scorer during the 2003-2004 season. He ranks 67th all-time in goals scored and, since the 2002-2003 season, ranks fourth in goals.

He was a two-time Olympic Goal Medal winner with Canada and won the World Championship with Canada in 2007. He was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

In terms of his Rangers’ career, it was hardly perfect, but he nonetheless delivered on the whole. During Nash’s five full seasons with the Rangers (12-13 through 16-17), Nash led the entire NHL in five-on-five goals/60 minutes. He was an elite NHL PKer as well.

Though his playoff scoring sometimes lacked, his overall impact was there. Based on Dom Luszczyszyn’s Game Score, Nash ranked second among all Rangers (minimum 200 minutes) during playoff games from 2013 through 2017 (Derick Brassard ranked first).

Among all-time Rangers, Nash ranks eighth in goals-per-game (minimum 300 games played). That’s higher than many notable names including Jean Ratelle, Rod Gilbert, and Adam Graves.

Finally, Nash will be remembered as one of the most humble, low-maintenance players the NHL has ever seen. All of his coaches raved about his effort and demeanor. He did not evoke any controversy, get in any sort of trouble, and was always willing to publicly accept more than his fair share of blame for any shortcomings.

Blueshirt Banter wishes Rick and his family the best in retirement.

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