Rick Nash Has Informed NHL Teams He May Retire

With multiple teams interested in signing the veteran winger this offseason, Rick Nash may be retiring from the NHL.

July 1 is mere days away and one of the bigger names worth keeping an eye on was Nash. Now, teams and fans will be watching closely for another reason. With concussion issues in the background, Nash may choose not to play another season in the NHL and he’s already let teams know he certainly won’t be ready to make a decision on his NHL future by July 1.

Rick Nash unsure about NHL return next season https://t.co/UUCmC0YodW

— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) June 28, 2018

Darren Dreger of TSN reports that the 34-year old forward has informed teams he is still considering his next move and that while he contemplates his future, has let those teams who expressed interest in signing him know not to wait. If he was their Plan A or Plan B, they should likely change their focus as he may not make a decision well into the summer.

There was speculation that as many as six-eight teams were talking with Nash and about signing there this offseason and it likely would have wound down the winger’s career. The New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, and Columbus Blue Jacket were among those rumored teams and all have been told of Nash’s situation. Each team will now move on and try to make alternate plans, perhaps revisiting the idea of Nash coming on board if there is cap room to do so or they haven’t already filled the spot they were keeping open for him.

As per Joe Resnick, agent for Rick Nash, Rick remains undecided on playing next season and will forego the July 1st signing period.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 28, 2018

Nash has had concussion issues over his memorable NHL career and it is those concussion issues, along with Nash having had a great NHL career and made good money that make retirning a possibility.