Bryan Bickell is getting close to returning to NHL action.
Bickell announced he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis back in November. Acquired from the Blackhawks in the trade which brought Teuvo Teräväinen to the Carolina Hurricanes, Bickell’s appeared in just seven games in 2016-17. His last game came in late October.
The diagnosis didn’t stop Bickell’s hopes of returning to the NHL. Speaking with NHL.com. he revealed that he’s getting close to returning to the Hurricanes.
“I feel good,” Bickell told NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti after a conditioning skate. “I obviously don’t feel good right now, I just got skated pretty hard, but it’s going to help me down the long run. I think we’re getting there and getting close to getting back in the rotation. We’re shooting for probably after the bye week and then kind of day by day from there.”
According to Sportsnet.ca, Bickell is aiming for Feb. 17 to return to action.
If Bickell makes it back onto the ice, it will be one of the best stories to come out of the league this season. His career appeared to be over following the diagnosis, but through hard work and preservation, Bickell’s set to continue his career. It’s amazing news.
Best of luck to Bickell on his potential return. Lots of people will be cheering you on.
