The news wasn't surprising, but it was nevertheless tough to see. After fighting to come back and play these final few regular-season games, Bryan Bickell will retire.
Bickell, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis earlier this season, announced Saturday that he will retire after the Carolina Hurricanes' final two regular-season games. It was a sad but not surprising announcement from the 31-year-old Bickell, who won three Stanley Cups while with the Blackhawks.
For coach Joel Quenneville, the news was tough.
"You like the guy. He's well-liked by his teammates, and he brought an element to our team that was very useful and I think his physicality in series and early in games, in the playoffs, and early in series, he could set the tone," Quenneville said.