Nash missed the final 12 games of the regular season for the Bruins in 2017-18 because of a concussion sustained in March. He returned for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and had five points (three goals, two assists) in 12 games.
Before NHL free agency began on July 1, his agent, Joe Resnick, told NHL.com Nash was undecided about playing this season because of health issues and would not be accepting contract offers.
Resnick told NHL.com on Friday that Nash was holding out hope he could play this season, but on advice of his medical team decided to retire.
Nash, who won the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal-scorer in 2003-04 (41), has 46 points (18 goals, 28 assists) in 89 NHL playoff games.
He is the Blue Jackets all-time leader in games played (674), goals (289), assists (258) and points (547).
He had 34 points (21 goals, 13 assists) in 71 games with Boston and the Rangers in 2017-18, including six points (three goals, three assists) in 11 games after he was acquired Feb. 25 in a trade for forwards Ryan Spooner and Matt Beleskey, defenseman Ryan Lindgren and two draft picks. He had five points (three goals, two assists) in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games.