Former Rangers star Rick Nash forced to retire early

Rick Nash has been forced to retire from the NHL due to concussion worries.

The former Rangers forward suffered his latest concussion in March with the Bruins, and despite playing in the postseason, opted not to sign a contract as a free agent this offseason.

“Due to unresolved issues/symptoms from the concussion sustained last March, Rick Nash will be forced to retire from the game of hockey,” his representatives at Top Shelf Hockey said in a statement.

“Under the advice of his medical team, the risk of further brain injury is far too great if Rick returns to play. Rick would like to thank everyone who has supported him during this difficult time period.”

The Rangers acquired Nash after the 2012 season and he played six seasons on Broadway before being dealt to Boston before last season’s trade deadline. Nash was often criticized for playoff struggles, but he was a part of the team’s run to the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the Kings.

Nash, 34, finishes his career with 437 goals and 368 assists in 1,060 games.