Rick Nash retires due to concussion symptoms

Six-time NHL All-Star Rick Nash is retiring, citing ongoing concussion symptoms and the risk of further brain injuries, his agent announced in a statement Friday.

Statement on behalf of client Rick Nash: pic.twitter.com/DekEvhSevy

- Top Shelf Hockey (@Topshelf_TSSM) January 11, 2019

The 34-year-old most recently played for the Boston Bruins in the 2017-18 season after being acquired ahead of the trade deadline from the New York Rangers. Nash suffered a concussion in March 2018 and missed the end of the regular season, but returned for the playoffs. Boston was eliminated in the second round.

He was an unrestricted free agent this summer. Leading up to July 1, he informed teams that he would forgo the process, since he hadn't decided whether he would return for another season.

In October, Nash said that while he missed the game, there was a good chance that he wouldn't return.

Nash captured the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (along with Ilya Kovalchuk and Jarome Iginla) during the 2003-04 season. He also enjoyed incredible success on the international stage, winning two Olympic gold medals for Canada and three silvers at the World Championship.

The 2002 first overall pick still ranks first in Blue Jackets history in games played (674), goals (289), assists (258), and points (547).

Nash concludes his career with 437 goals and 805 points in 1,060 games split between the Blue Jackets, Rangers, and Bruins.

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