{"id":575435,"date":"2026-05-15T09:45:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T09:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/575435\/"},"modified":"2026-05-15T09:45:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T09:45:12","slug":"thank-you-brian-boyle-new-jersey-devils","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/575435\/","title":{"rendered":"Thank you, Brian Boyle | New Jersey Devils"},"content":{"rendered":"


RELATED: Devils acquire second-round pick from Nashville<\/a>
Brian Boyle, the NHL veteran who was formally with the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Toronto Maple Leafs, signed as a free agent with New Jersey on July 1, 2017.
Tweet from @NJDevils: OFFICIAL: The #NJDevils have signed forward Brian Boyle to a two-year contract! @BriBrows22 will wear jersey No. 11. https:\/\/t.co\/voQEo6E0uK pic.twitter.com\/nz4OSl7Hco<\/a>

After coming to New Jersey and having routine bloodwork done during his first preseason with the team, he was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Tweet from @NJDevils: LISTEN: #NJDevils forward @BriBrows22 speaks to the media after being diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia. https:\/\/t.co\/F9n8soctjC<\/a>
But his teammates and fans around the NHL rallied behind him to support him in his battle.
Tweet from @NJDevils: We’re with you all the way, @BriBrows22. #BoyleStrong \ud83d\udcaa pic.twitter.com\/cT7QHlauQA<\/a>
Tweet from @NJDevils: The #NJDevils and @NHL community are rallying behind @BriBrows22. More reactions: https:\/\/t.co\/yDlKt265XQ#BoyleStrong \ud83d\udc4a pic.twitter.com\/84SbiFqqkf<\/a>
And by the end of October, he was back on the ice with his teammates, ready to get back to playing the sport he loves.
Tweet from @NJDevils: \ud83c\udfd2 @BriBrows22\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds right back where he belongs! It\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds great to see Boyler skating with his teammates again. #BoyleStrong pic.twitter.com\/5bregLpqXm<\/a>
Tweet from @NJDevils: \ud83c\udfd2 @BriBrows22 on the #NJDevils: \ufffd\ufffd\ufffdThe guys have been unbelievable. Players, coaches, Ray. Everyone\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds been phenomenal. I\ufffd\ufffd\ufffdm very fortunate.\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd pic.twitter.com\/DxgInNngtj<\/a>
On November 1, 2017, Boyle made his debut as a New Jersey Devil when the team faced off against the Canucks in Vancouver.
Tweet from @NJDevils: JUST ANNOUNCED: @BriBrows22 will make his #NJDevils debut tonight in Vancouver! #NJDvsVAN #BoyleStrong pic.twitter.com\/PpQYcCBaTL<\/a>
A game in which he also earned The Jacket – the honor that went to the unsung hero of the game during the 2017-18 season.
Tweet from @NJDevils: Pretty easy choice for the #TheJacket recipient last night, eh? Glad to see you back out there, @BriBrows22! #BoyleStrong pic.twitter.com\/cqMDVa5eC5<\/a>
On November 7, 2017, he made his debut at Prudential Center.
Tweet from @NJDevils: All smiles for @BriBrows22 @PruCenter debut in front of a hometown crowd! \ud83d\ude01 pic.twitter.com\/l7v3G72qEJ<\/a>
And on November 9, 2017, he netted his first goal as a Devil against the Oilers.
Tweet from @NJDevils: \ud83d\udcaa#BOYLESTRONG \ud83d\udcaa@BriBrows22 lights the lamp with his first goal as a member of the #NJDevils, giving #JerseysTeam a 1-0 lead! #EDMvsNJD pic.twitter.com\/8i30jXb0pE<\/a>
During Hockey Fights Cancer Night at Prudential Center on November 24, 2017, Boyle and his family participated in a ceremonial puck drop.
Tweet from @NJDevils: Tonight, @BriBrows22 and the Boyle Family joined us for the ceremonial puck drop. We’re all #BoyleStrong! #HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com\/1TIgh6c54I<\/a>
Tweet from @NJDevils: \ud83d\udc9c @BriBrows22 fights for his family. #HockeyFightsCancer | #BoyleStrong pic.twitter.com\/g4qXiGbtjl<\/a>
It was a night he wouldn’t forget after netting the first goal of the night in front of the Devils crowd and celebrating with teammates.
Tweet from @NJDevils: Scoring goals and beating cancer. That’s what @BriBrows22 does! #HockeyFightsCancer | #BoyleStrong pic.twitter.com\/ZqxmsSNW7I<\/a>
He earned the first star of the night, which has been very well-deserved.
Tweet from @NJDevils: Scoring goals and beating cancer. That’s what @BriBrows22 does! #HockeyFightsCancer | #BoyleStrong pic.twitter.com\/ZqxmsSNW7I<\/a>
Tweet from @NJDevils: “The support from all you guys has been unbelievable.”@BriBrows22 continues to inspire on #HockeyFightsCancer Night. pic.twitter.com\/GZ09x2XSz5<\/a>
Tweet from @NJDevils: An emotional return to the ice for @BriBrows22 is spotlighted in the upcoming edition of #Devils82GO. Watch previous episodes of the digital mini-series presented by @InvestorsBank. https:\/\/t.co\/UQ65M3h10a pic.twitter.com\/XgohaASxHO<\/a>
Later that season, Boyle was New Jersey’s representative at the 2018 NHL All-Star Weekend in Tampa Bay.
Tweet from @NJDevils: “I’m very, very honored.” The #NJDevils are honored to have @BriBrows22 represent #JerseysTeam in Tampa! #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com\/PMZwhN1WRz<\/a>
Tweet from @NJDevils: The emotional journey from Jersey to #NHLAllStar Weekend is full of @BriBrows22 highlights. #BoyleStrong \ud83d\udcaa https:\/\/t.co\/Osld2OWD29<\/a>
He returned to one of his former NHL cities where fans welcomed him with a standing ovation.
Tweet from @NJDevils: A standing ovation for @BriBrows22\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds return to Amalie Arena! #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com\/4m4ltxDc5h<\/a>
He was very honored to take part in the All-Star weekend where he could represent New Jersey.
Tweet from @NJDevils: Hear from @BriBrows22 as he walked the red carpet in Tampa. #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com\/b60PJgda6l<\/a>
Tweet from @NJDevils: “This town is a great town.” – @BriBrows22 was mic’d up during the #NHLAllStar Skills Competition! pic.twitter.com\/GPViPpReZc<\/a>
Tweet from @NJDevils: We\ufffd\ufffd\ufffdre extremely proud to have had @BriBrows22 represent the #NJDevils at #NHLAllStar Weekend! pic.twitter.com\/eyFrmYEDPW<\/a>
And at the end of the season, there was no doubt that Brian Boyle would be named for the 2017-18 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Tweet from @NJDevils: Congrats, @BriBrows22! Boyler has been named a finalist for the 2017-18 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey! https:\/\/t.co\/gYczsncq2k pic.twitter.com\/Jmr5XobgpC<\/a>
Tweet from @NJDevils: We’ve stood behind @BriBrows22 all season long. Thanks for all the inspiration and good luck on Wednesday at the #NHLAwards!<\/a>
At the end of the night, Boyle was the 2017-18 Masterton Memorial Trophy winner.
Tweet from @NJDevils: You deserve it! Congrats to @BriBrows22 on winning the 2018 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy! #NHLAwards https:\/\/t.co\/FrJnLQWpfh pic.twitter.com\/KHrCqsthb8<\/a>
Tweet from @NJDevils: “This is going to hold a special place in my heart.”@BriBrows22 already holds a special place in the \ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd’s of so many. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com\/CfdZWYNF2b<\/a>
Tweet from @NJDevils: A new trophy on their fourth wedding anniversary. @BriBrows22 and his wife Lauren are so deserving of this award. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com\/Fo06npAf8l<\/a>
Entering the 2018-19 season, Boyle sat down with People Magazine and talked about entering his second season with New Jersey and his ongoing fight against leukemia.

However, it was announced on October 24, 2018 that his cancer was in remission.
Tweet from @NJDevils: Earlier today, @BriBrows22\ufffd\ufffdsaid his cancer is in remission after receiving the results from his most recent blood test.Boyle was originally told by doctors that it could take up to 18 months before the disease went into full remission; it took 12 months & 33 days. #BoyleStrong<\/a>
And the very next day, he suited up for his 700th career NHL game.

On November 5, 2018 when the team traveled to take on the Penguins in Pittsburgh, Boyle recorded his first career hattrick.
Tweet from @NJDevils: He’s such a natural, isn’t he? Congratulations on your first career hat trick, @BriBrows22! #HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com\/rZCsxzhFeR<\/a>
It also happened to be Hockey Fights Cancer night in Pittsburgh, which made the milestone mean so much more.
Tweet from @NJDevils: “I love these nights. I really do. Just the initiative & seeing the survivors on ice. Sometimes you feel kind of alone & quiet. At times, during the cancer fight it’s difficult.” -@BriBrows22 on how much #HockeyFightsCancer night means to him pic.twitter.com\/RlA12yEE5V<\/a>
With Hockey Fights Cancer Night at Prudential Center right around the corner, the Boyles talked a lot about how much the night and the fans support means to them. Lauren Boyle was also named an NHL Hockey Fights Cancer Ambassador, a title that holds a special place in her heart.


When the Devils hosted Hockey Fights Cancer Night on November 23, all attendees in the building were #BoyleStrong.<\/p>\n