Berard underwent several operations, and played 619 games in his NHL career despite the seriousness of the injury.

[5] In January 1996, the Senators traded Berard, Martin Straka and Don Beaupre to the New York Islanders in exchange for Wade Redden and Damian Rhodes.

[7] He was rewarded for his efforts by winning the Calder Trophy as the top rookie in the NHL, edging out Jarome Iginla.

Upon signing a tryout contract with the New York Rangers, he returned his insurance settlement and risked a comeback to the NHL.

[16] With Boston, Berard began to return to his pre-injury form posting ten goals and 38 points, his highest total since his second year in the league.

[7] Despite his success, the Bruins balked when an arbitrator awarded Berard a $2.51 million contract and they walked away from the ruling, making him an unrestricted free agent.

[18] In Chicago, Berard's game continued to improve and he finished the year second on the team in scoring with 47 points, just one off his career best.

Columbus GM Doug MacLean felt that Berard's skillset was a perfect fit for his club, saying "Bryan brings a level of speed to our blue line that we've never had in the past," adding, "With a more wide-open game coming in the NHL, Bryan should really flourish and we're excited about what he adds to our hockey team.

"[21] While Berard had overcome the limitations of his vision to become a solid offensive defensemen, his time in Columbus would be marred by troubles with his back.

His first season with the Blue Jackets saw him post impressive numbers with 12 goals and 32 points in just 44 games but a back injury - and subsequent surgery - shut him down in March.

In October, when he should have been gearing up for his second year with the club, he had another surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back and managed to play just eleven games with the Jackets.

[23] Berard accepted an invitation to attend training camp for the 2007–08 season with the Islanders, and performed well enough to earn a one-year contract with them.

[26] Prior to the start of the 2008–09 NHL season, Berard was invited to training camp with the Philadelphia Flyers.

The NHL did not hand down any form of suspension to Berard, as they did not administer the test, but he was banned from international play for two years effective January 3, 2006.