Bryan Bickell expected to play in AHL contest, first game since MS diagnosis

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Carolina Hurricanes forward Bryan Bickell is expected to skate in his first hockey game since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

The Hurricanes assigned Bickell to their AHL affiliate in Charlotte on Friday and said he is expected to play for the Checkers on Saturday night.

The move came a day after he was placed on waivers in a procedural move that allowed the team to send him to the minors.

Bickell, 30, has been out since October. He was diagnosed with MS in November and was placed on injured reserve Nov. 11.

The three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Chicago Blackhawks has been practicing with the Hurricanes for the past month.

"My mindset is to get back on the ice," Bickell said in December.