NEWARK, N.J. — Brian Boyle never could have envisioned how great an experience he would have as a member of the New Jersey Devils.
He still recalls the enlightening phone conversation he had with Devils general manager Ray Shero and coach John Hynes welcoming him to New Jersey after he signed a two-year, $5.1 million contract (average annual value $2.55 million) with the Devils on July 1, 2017. That was followed by the tremendous support given him by the organization after he was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia on Sept. 19, 2017.
Boyle, who can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, was traded to the Nashville Predators by New Jersey on Wednesday for a second-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. He could make his Nashville debut when the Predators host the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; FS-TN, FS-SW, NHL.TV).
[RELATED: Boyle traded to Predators by Devils | 2018-19 Trade Tracker]
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think being a Devil would mean this much to me,” Boyle said. “With how [2017-18] went, how it felt the first couple of weeks to where it finished, it was just a tremendous year that I was very blessed to be a part of.”
Boyle not only made it back to the lineup on Nov. 1, 2017 but represented the Devils at the 2018 Honda NHL All-Star Game in Tampa and was awarded the 2018 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for his perseverance and dedication to hockey.
“I’m so thankful to [Shero and Hynes] for the one season-plus I had here,” Boyle said. “The fans meant so much, too, with reaching out through social media. I tried to show my love back and show my appreciation and it was a huge motivator for me. It made me certainly a better player and made our time here even more special.
Video: Nashville acquires Boyle for 2019 2nd Round pick
“It was a place, in a short time, that became very near and dear to us and we’ll never forget our time here.”
Boyle, who had 42 points (26 goals, 16 assists) in 116 games through two seasons with New Jersey, will continue his treatments once a month in Nashville to make certain the cancer remains in remission. He said he had a range of emotions when Shero called to tell him he had been traded Wednesday morning.
“There’s a lot going on because of the opportunity now to go to Nashville and try and help a club that has been really successful in the last few years,” Boyle said. “They have some great players and good people from everything that I’ve heard. I spoke to [Predators GM David Poile] quickly and I’m real excited to be a part of that now.”
Boyle’s former teammates are happy he’ll be given an opportunity to win a Stanley Cup after losing in the championship round with the New York Rangers in 2014 and Tampa Bay Lightning in 2015.
“The person he is makes him more desirable to other teams because he was so effective for us and could fill so many roles on and off the ice,” said Devils goalie Cory Schneider, who also played with Boyle at Boston College from 2004-07. “As a player you’re excited for him to go to a team that has a legitimate chance to win the Stanley Cup. I know he’s had a few cracks at it and I’m sure he would love to get that one.”
Video: TOR@NJD: Boyle nets Devils’ second goal in 26 seconds
Said forward Blake Coleman: “He’s someone who wears his heart on his sleeve. I thought he played an important role for us the past year and a half, bringing experience and helping guys work through ups and downs. He’s going to be missed because he competed hard every night.
“It’s hard to see friends go but it’s obviously a good opportunity for him and we wish him well.”
Boyle was asked if he had a message for Devils fans.
“I will say that at no point has anyone quit and it’s been encouraging to see that resiliency that will pay off eventually, I’m sure of it,” he said. “As fans, and those expectations, that’s totally fair.
“It just shows the passion they have for us, so that’s something you want your fans to have. You want them to expect the best out of you. I’ve played in environments where that’s what they demand and expect, and I think it brings out the best in you.”
from A Viral Update http://bit.ly/2SvAfeh
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