Boyle ‘progressing’ in leukemia treatment
WEST POINT, N.Y.— There’s virtually no chance Brian Boyle will be ready to play in the Devils’ regular-season opener on Saturday. But that’s not the point. Speaking to the media for the first time on Monday since being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia when the Devils opened training camp on Sept. 14, the veteran centre who helped the Toronto Maple Leafs make the playoffs last season said he was feeling “better and better” and has been amazed by the outpouring of support he’s received.
“I’ve been floored by it, my wife (Lauren), too,” Boyle said as the Devils practised on Monday at Tate Rink, part of their three-day, team-bonding trip to the U.S. Military Academy. “We’ve gotten so many calls. Pittsburgh sent a letter signed by everyone, a little note from Sully (coach Mike Sullivan, Boyle’s former assistant coach with the Rangers) and Sid (Crosby).”
Even if he is cleared to resume practising, it’s extremely doubtful Boyle, 32, would be ready when the Devils face the Avalanche at Prudential Center on Saturday afternoon.
In fact, Boyle’s return to playing might not be imminent at all.
“The bottom line is it is progressing,” said Boyle, who signed a twoyear, $5.5-million (U.S.) deal with the Devils after splitting last season between the Lightning and Maple Leafs. “I said I wanted to play on opening night because I think everybody does. But it’s progressing. It’s not necessarily the be all and the end all.”