Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla has revealed he is battling neurological issues, which he believes may be connected to metal toxicity from a hip replacement surgery. The 49-year-old former NHL star, known for his 600 career goals and two Olympic gold medals, is still working to understand the full extent of his condition.
"Unfortunately I have been battling some health issues," Iginla told Sportsnet. "Some neurological issues. I’m not entirely sure what it is, it may be from metal toxins from reaction to the cobalt hip."
Iginla, who played 20 seasons in the NHL with teams including the Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, and Colorado Avalanche, had his hip replaced a few years after his final season in 2016-17. The components used were cobalt-chromium, and the breakdown of this material can release debris and ions into the bloodstream, potentially causing various health problems.
He has been undergoing medical testing and consultations for over a year. According to Sportsnet, Iginla has experienced high mercury levels in his body, along with issues related to energy, weight, and speech, which he attributes to his medications.
"I need more time to figure it all out, but I’m still hopeful that I will recover fully," he stated. "Things are slowly getting under control, thanks be to God."
Iginla, who retired from professional hockey in 2018, currently serves as a special advisor to Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy. He remains Calgary’s all-time leader in goals, points, games played, and game-winning goals. In 2020, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as the fourth Black player to receive the honor.