The Chicago Blackhawks signed Bryan Bickell to a one-day contract, and the forward concurrently announced his official retirement from the NHL on Wednesday as a member of the team with which he won three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013, and 2015).
Bickell played 384 of his 395 career NHL games with Chicago. The other 11 came as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2016-17, but his season was interrupted by a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis last November.
"As any professional athlete will tell you, stepping away from the game is extremely difficult especially given my circumstances," said Bickell. "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."
Bickell scored 65 goals and added 70 assists over his 10-year NHL career. He upped his game and became a fan favorite in the playoffs, however, scoring 20 goals and adding 19 assists in 75 appearances, all with Chicago.
"We are thankful to Bryan for his accomplishments on the ice and we look forward to hearing his voice in raising awareness for multiple sclerosis as he fights the disease," added Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman.
Bickell was able to rejoin the Hurricanes for the final two games of the regular season, and he capped his career by scoring a shootout goal in his final act as a pro hockey player. He was also honored at the 2017 NHL Awards for being able to play following his diagnosis.
