Eaves Continues To Battle Guillain-Barré

Photo: The Puck Network

By Michael Walters

At the beginning of this month, I had a chance to talk to Patrick Eaves on the golf course. I asked him about this upcoming season and if he had a chance to play, which he said there was no chance. He further elaborated by saying that he was going to have to retire for good from the NHL.

He recently talked to his doctors who confirmed his original diagnosis of having Guillain-Barré Syndrome(GBS), a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. In October of 2017, the original thought was he had the syndrome, but a few months later it was believed to be “a post-viral syndrome” instead. Unfortunately, it has been reaffirmed he has GBS.

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Eaves was only able to play in two NHL games in the 2017-18 season for Anaheim as he had to sit out the majority of the season. He tried to make a return in the 2018-19 season but was only able to play in seven NHL games. Eaves also had issues with his shoulder which further complicated matters.

I asked Eaves what the future held for him and he said he was going to spend time with his family. In terms of doing something related to hockey(coaching, etc.), he said he didn’t have any immediate plans.

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Kevin Bieksa Retires

The same day I talked to Eaves, I also had an opportunity to speak to Bieksa. Kevin had last played in the NHL during the 2017-18 season in Anaheim. He did not get a new contract with the Ducks and had looked at other options(Calgary, Edmonton), but he wanted to stay in the Southern California area. Last season he didn’t play for any team and instead was seen working the broadcast booth at various games.

I asked him if he planned to come back and play, especially in Anaheim, with Coach Dallas Eakins now in charge. Bieksa said that he has no plans to return to the NHL as he is retired. He is going to continue doing broadcasts and appearances on various sports shows.

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September 20th, 2019