Bryan Bickell is going to finish his NHL career where it all began. The veteran forward signed a one-day contract so that he can retire with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Bickell spent parts of nine seasons with the ‘Hawks from 2006-07 to 2015-16. He also managed to win an impressive three Stanley Cups during his stint with the Blackhawks.
“As any professional athlete will tell you, stepping away from the game is extremely difficult especially given my circumstances,” Bickell said in a release. “I’m honored to be retiring a Chicago Blackhawk-a team that has given me and my family so many great memories. I appreciate Rocky Wirtz, John McDonough and Stan Bowman for allowing me this opportunity.”
In November of last year, while he was a member of the Carolina Hurricanes, the 31-year-old announced that he was dealing with multiple sclerosis. He spent most of the 2016-17 campaign on the injured list, but he managed to come back and play four games before the end of the season.
Bickell hangs up his skates with 66 goals, 136 points, and 192 penalty minutes in 395 games during the regular season. He also tallied 20 goals and 39 points in 75 playoff games.
He earned $20.275 million in salary during his career.