Former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Riley Nash has decided to retire from the NHL after 13 seasons, he announced on Tuesday. 

Nash told TSN, “With three wonderful young kids and the way my body has behaved over the past few years, it was time to take a step back as an older guy and let others chase their dream the same way I did. I consider myself very fortunate to have played in front of my kids over the last few years. They helped me regain the passion and love for the sport I had as a kid. Now was the right time to step away.”

Riley Nash came to Columbus on July 1, 2018, after spending the previous two seasons with the Boston Bruins and five seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes before that. He was originally drafted in the first round of the 2007 draft by the Edmonton Oilers. 

Nash's first season in Columbus was historic for both him and the CBJ. He would go on to play in 78 games that season and total 12 points. He also chipped in three points in seven playoff games that year as well. Nash's Blue Jackets would go on to sweep the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, but would lose to the Boston Bruins in the second. 

He also helped Columbus beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2020 playoffs.

Nash would play 179 games for Columbus and tally 33 career points. He was mostly used as a fourth liner who killed lots of penalties, and generally did it very well. 

In his long career, Nash would total 628 games played and 176 points. 

Unfortunately for Nash, his career was cut short due to a knee injury he suffered during the 23-24 season, and would not play at all in 24-25. 

Good luck to Riley Nash in his retirement. 

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