Devils' Boyle looks to former Leafs forward Blake for inspiration

The New Jersey Devils released some awful news yesterday, as Brian Boyle, one of their free-agent signings of the summer, announced he has been dealing with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Thankfully, CML, a type of bone-marrow cancer, can largely be treated with medication. The 32-year forward received this diagnostic after his blood test revealed some irregularities at the begnning of training camp. Incredibly, he’s still expected to play during his treatments. 

Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Blake, who played 871 NHL games, also battled CML back in 2007. After his third game with the Leafs (he joined them in the summer after a 40-goal season with the New York Islanders), the American forward was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia. The first couple of months were pretty hard for him, while he admitted he then dealed with emotional and mental symptoms that made him questionned his desire to continue playing. His wife, who battled thyroid cancer during the 2000-2001 season, helped him a lot during that hard process. Physically, Blake lost 12 pounds during the first month on the medication. 

The continuous support and love from his familly, teammates and the entire Leafs organization finally helped Blake get through the "why me" feeling, and he won his fight against cancer. He played the entire 82 games that season, scored 15 goals and added 37 assists for a total of 52 points. Wich is pretty awesome. 

We wish all the best to Brian Boyle. He’s a tough guy, he won many fights in the NHL and we’re pretty sure he’ll knock cancer out.