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36-Year-Old Former Maple Leafs Forward Officially Retires From the NHL
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Riley Nash is a journeyman NHLer who was drafted in the first round all the way back in 2007, and even had a brief stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs a few years ago.
Playing in the NHL until you are 36 years old is an achievement worth celebrating. Regardless of how many points or games you played, this kind of longevity proves you were in demand.
One player who proved this to be the case was Riley Nash, a former first-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers. While he never played for the Oilers, he eventually started his career with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Over the years, he would go on to play for the Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, Winnipeg Jets, Tampa Bay Lightning, and yes, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
During the 2021 playoffs, Nash played a total of two games for the Leafs. He did not start a single regular-season game.
Riley Nash calls it an NHL career
In a new report from Castanet Kamloops, it was revealed that Nash is retiring from hockey as he looks to spend more time with his family.
It is definitely something weird to say and it hasn't really sunk in yet, even though I basically had all of last year away from the rink, but this year will still be weird,» Nash told Castanet. «This is all I've done and focused on for the past 30 years, but now is the time to end this chapter or book and look at what's next.
Nash did not play last season. The season prior, he had one game with the Rangers, although he was mostly bouncing around the AHL.
Clearly, the former NHLer feels as though it is time for him to pursue other passions. However, like many former players, we imagine he will stick around the game for some time.
Hopefully, Nash continues to be an ambassador for the game, especially on the local level.
We wish him nothing but the best in retirement.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 10 | 250 ANSWERS 36-Year-Old Former Maple Leafs Forward Officially Retires From the NHL Do you remember Riley Nash's brief stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 95 | 38 % |
| NO | 155 | 62 % |
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