Hurricanes' Bickell to retire at end of season due to MS diagnosis

Carolina Hurricanes forward Bryan Bickell will retire from the NHL after playing in Carolina's final two regular-season games, he told NHL.com on Saturday.

Bickell was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on Nov. 11, 2016. He battled back from the disease to play 10 games in the AHL this season, followed by a recent two-game stint back up with the big club in Carolina, where he was overcome with emotion during a postgame interview.

The 31-year-old proved to be an invaluable role player during his time with the Chicago Blackhawks, winning three Stanley Cups. He scored a career-high 17 goals in 2010-11.

Bickell will most likely be remembered by Blackhawks fans for stepping up his play in the postseason. In 75 career playoff games he tallied 20 goals and 19 assists, including a 17-point effort during Chicago's 2013 run.