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After more than a decade of quiet consistency and hard-nosed effort in the NHL, Riley Nash has officially called it a career. The 36-year-old center confirmed his retirement in early July, ending a 13-season journey that took him through eight different NHL franchises, countless faceoffs, and one long, hard-earned road from first-round pick to trusted depth veteran. The Kamloops native broke the news in an interview with local outlet Castanet, where he spoke candidly about the toll of professional hockey and the pull of family life. He later added that his decision had been building for some time, particularly after spending the 2024–25 season away from the game to recover from a lingering knee injury. Drafted 21st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2007, Nash’s NHL path took longer to form than most first-rounders. He played three seasons at Cornell University before turning pro and eventually making his NHL debut with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2011. From there, he carved out a reputation as a smart, defensively reliable forward who could be trusted in any situation. Moving on from the Game Nash played 628 NHL games in total, recording 63 goals and 113 assists. Nash spent time with Carolina, Boston, Columbus, Winnipeg, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Arizona, and the New York Rangers, wearing many jerseys but always bringing the same blue-collar work ethic that made him a coach’s favorite. He was never a flashy scorer, but his value came in the quieter aspects of the game: killing penalties, taking crucial draws, and frustrating opponents with sound positioning. “This is all I’ve done and focused on for the past 30 years,” Nash said. “It’s definitely strange to think that it’s over. 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.” Nash’s best statistical season came in 2017–18 with the Boston Bruins, when he tallied a career-high 41 points in 76 games. That season, he even spent some time filling in for Patrice Bergeron on the top line, proving his ability to play up and down the lineup as needed. While that level of production wasn’t typical for Nash, the performance showcased his adaptability – something that defined his entire career. That same season with Boston also saw Nash take a puck to the face late in the year, an injury that required dozens of stitches and kept him out of the lineup briefly. He returned wearing a protective cage and continued playing the same unselfish style. It was the kind of sacrifice that came to define his reputation league-wide. The Closing Run Though Nash played only a single NHL game in the 2023–24 season with the Rangers, he stayed active with their AHL affiliate in Hartford. He had signed a two-year deal with New York in 2023 and served as a veteran presence for the younger players in the organization. By the time the 2024–25 season rolled around, however, Nash found himself off the ice and focusing on recovery from knee issues that had nagged him for years. In many ways, the time away from the game helped him come to terms with retirement. His former teams and teammates have responded with messages of appreciation and respect. While Nash never lifted the Stanley Cup, he was often called upon during playoff pushes and tight games when details mattered most. Coaches trusted him to hold leads, stabilize young lines, and lead by example.

As the wonder season continues for the San Diego FC when no one expected it, it seems that Anders Dreyer is also making his presence felt on the big stage as he leads the MVP race in the 2025 MLS season. But will he able to stay on the chase with a lot of key players making a case for the award as well? When Anders Dreyer stepped onto the pitch for San Diego FC’s inaugural MLS fixture on February 24, 2025, few could have predicted the trajectory he would set. That night, he scored the first two goals in club history to secure a 2–0 upset over the defending champions, LA Galaxy, immediately capturing attention league-wide. A burst of early brilliance evolved into extraordinary consistency, and now Dreyer is firmly in the conversation for league MVP honors. San Diego FC’s journey as an expansion team has been nothing short of remarkable. Dreyer has emerged as its engine, spearheading a rookie side that has climbed to the top of the Western Conference. In June, he led MLS in goal contributions, totaling nine between three goals and six assists, earning Player of the Month honors. A Chase for Greatness His influence goes well beyond those monthly metrics. Through mid-June, Dreyer had recorded eight goals and nine assists in just 18 games and led the league with 17 goal contributions at that point. That level of production is rare, particularly for an expansion club’s first season. If he surpasses ten goals and ten assists, he will join an elite list that includes Carlos Vela, Héctor Villalba, and Sébastien Le Toux – all of whom achieved the feat in their team’s debut season. What stands out is the diversity of his game. Dreyer’s factory is built not only on scoring but on creativity. His stat lines – six goals and twelve assists in 20 matches – combine finishing and playmaking prowess. The MVP race in MLS is traditionally crowded, featuring attacking standouts and high-profile stars like Messi, Tai Baribo, Diego Rossi, and Patrick Agyemang. But Dreyer’s narrative adds layers few others can match. He is the heartbeat of a first-year team defying expectations, blending flair and productivity while guiding a group to sustained success. A Strong MVP Case so Far Yet the MVP award isn’t decided by stats only. There’s a storyline element too, and Dreyer’s story resonates deeply. He is the face of a franchise writing its opening chapters, defining what San Diego FC meant from its first day in league history. His leadership and creativity have provided a lodestar not just for teammates, but for a fanbase eager for direction and excitement. Notably, Dreyer’s capability to deliver in moments that matter elevates him beyond typical scoring metrics. Mixing flair and function, he ensures that defensive schemes must account for him, thus reshaping how opponents approach San Diego. Perhaps most compelling is his balance between personal brilliance and team benefit. San Diego’s climb in the standings has coincided directly with Dreyer’s surge. He has scored when needed, racked up assists when supply was scarce, and kept producing even as the league adjusted. That is MVP‑caliber consistency. If San Diego remains atop the West, if Dreyer continues to score and create at this level, the Landon Donovan Award might well end up in his hands. Not just because he has been good, but because he has meant everything to a brand‑new franchise finding its identity. His name may not feature in every highlight reel, but his fingerprints are all over history in the making.