Nash retires at 34 because of effects of concussion

Rick Nash has decided to retire at 34 because of unresolved symptoms from a concussion he suffered in March.

Agent Joe Resnick announced Nash’s retirement in a statement Friday. Resnick says Nash decided under advice from doctors that the risk of brain injury was far too great if he returned to play hockey.

Nash scored 437 goals and had 368 assists for 805 points in 1,060 regular-season games. The first overall draft pick in 2002, he played 15 seasons: nine with the Blue Jackets, five-plus with the Rangers and then finished with the Bruins.

Avalanche star, coach appear to make peace

MONTREAL >> Colorado Avalanche star center Nathan MacKinnon and coach Jared Bednar appear to have made peace.

The two are playing down a dispute caught on camera on the bench Wednesday in Calgary. They spoke Friday, a day before Colorado plays the Montreal Canadiens.

MacKinnon seemed to be mouthing “Do your job” to Bednar toward the end of the Avalanche’s 5-3 loss to the Flames, Colorado’s eighth defeat in nine games.

Predators’ Watson: Alcohol issues led to his arrest

NASHVILLE, TENN. >> Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson says the arrest last year that led to his 18-game suspension came when he started drinking again after 23 months of sobriety.

Watson, who turns 27 on Sunday, said Friday in an Instagram post that he’s been dealing with anxiety, depression and alcoholism since the age of 18. Watson said he voluntarily entered the NHL’s substance abuse program after his June 16 arrest.

“I am currently sober and committed to living a healthy lifestyle so that I can be the father, partner, teammate and person I want to be,” Watson said.

Watson pleaded no contest July 24 to domestic assault.

JETS 4, RED WINGS 2 >> Kyle Connor had a goal and two assists as Winnipeg defeated Detroit. HURRICANES 4, SABRES 3 >> Sebastian Aho scored two goals off the skates of Buffalo defensemen, and Carolina held on, spoiling Jeff Skinner’s return to Raleigh.