NHL Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla revealed a secret health battle that he believes could be related to a recent surgery.
“Unfortunately I have been battling some health issues,” Iginla, 49, told Sportsnet on Tuesday, November 3. “Some neurological issues. I’m not entirely sure what it is, it may be from metal toxins from reaction to the cobalt hip.”
Iginla underwent hip replacement surgery “a few years ago,” according to the outlet. He announced his retirement in 2018 following 21 seasons in the NHL, most memorably with the Calgary Flames. Iginla was selected for induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020, his first year of eligibility.
“I need more time to figure it all out, but I’m still hopeful that I will recover fully,” he said. “Things are slowly getting under control, thanks be to God.”
Iginla has reportedly been struggling with complications since the procedure, which have impacted his weight, energy and speech.
“Still working through it, but I’m hopeful,” he added.
According to Sportsnet, “There are concerns that the cobalt-chromium components used in some artificial hip implants can release metal ions and debris through wear or corrosion, potentially causing complications as they enter the bloodstream.”
The outlet explained that Iginla “had high mercury levels in his body and is working to get that down, while trying to determine if the cause is related to the cobalt poisoning.”
Fans of the beloved hockey star noticed something seemed different during a recent appearance Iginla made on Prime Video’s Hometown Giants, which goes behind-the scenes with the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League.
“Couldn’t help [but] notice a change in his voice,” a Flames fan account posted via X on Sunday, November 1.
Jarome’s younger son, Joe, plays for the Giants. Joe, 18, was drafted by the Flames in the third round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
“It’s obviously really exciting, I was obviously hoping to go to the Flames because of my dad growing up,” Joe told CalgaryFlames.com at the time. “I’ve been around the Flames my whole life, it was always kind of a dream to be on them.”
Jarome played for the Flames for 16 seasons from 1996 to 2013.
Joe added, “Now that I’ve been drafted to them, it’s kind of a dream come true.”
Jarome’s older son, Tij, was selected with the sixth overall pick by the Utah Mammoth in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Tij, 20, who has yet to make his NHL debut, currently plays for the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League.
