The final two games of the Carolina Hurricanes‘ 2016-17 season will be Bryan Bickell‘s last in the NHL.
The 31-year-old has informed the team that he plans to retire.
“I’ve made the decision with my family that I’m going to call it quits, so it’s just these last two games,” Bickell told NHL.com.
Bickell, a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Chicago Blackhawks, was drafted 41st overall in 2004.
He was traded to Carolina this past off-season, and left the team in November after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
The Orono, Ont., native managed to get back into the Hurricanes lineup, being recalled in April. He played his first NHL game since Oct. 30 on Tuesday, and dressed again on Thursday.
On Saturday, Bickell and his wife, Amanda, took part in a walk outside Carolina’s PNC Arena to raise money for multiple sclerosis research. To Bickell’s surprise, his teammates all showed up to participate as well.
The Hurricanes will wear No. 29 stickers on their helmets for their final two games. Carolina hosts the St. Louis Blues on Saturday before closing the season with a game at Philadelphia, before Bickell hangs up his skates for good.
“From where I was at my peak to where I am now, there’s a difference in my game. I don’t think I will ever get back to that point with the circumstances,” he said. “For the last couple months, from where I was mentally and physically to where I am now, it’s a big change. I’m just happy to finish up here and move on.”
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