Chicago Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell‘s agent, Todd Diamond, confirmed his client suffered from vestibular issues in the 2015 Stanley Cup Final that lapsed into the season, reports Brian Hedger of NHL.com.
Following the Hawks winning their third Stanley Cup, the winger told reporters he had dealt with vertigo. Then in January his agent stated he had an ocular issue.
Vestibular problems can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can be similar to concussion or vertigo. Had to rule those out first w/Bickell.
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 29, 2016
Bickell’s agent said the vestibular issue has cleared up after a regimen of visual rehab exercises. #Blackhawks
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 29, 2016
Bickell, 29, has no goals and two assists in 23 games this season. The Hawks assigned Bickell to AHL Rockford in mid-January and saved $950,000 of his $4 million salary cap by doing so. Bickell is hoping he never sees Rockford again. He told Hedger he hopes to be traded and still feels he’s an NHL-caliber power forward and wants a fresh start.
Here’s a video of Bickell talking about head injuries.