Devils forward Brian Boyle diagnosed with cancer, plans to play through treatment

The disease was discovered during Boyle’s medical exam to begin training camp.

New Jersey Devils forward Brian Boyle has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, the team announced Tuesday. It is “a rare but treatable form of cancer,” according to NJ.com.

Boyle had missed the beginning of Devils’ training camp for unknown reasons but said he’s planning to play through his treatments. The disease was discovered during his physical to open camp last week.

Team doctor Michael Farber said the diagnosis came in the early stages of the disease.

"We're waiting on more information so we can decide the best mode of treatment," Farber said. “Once we get all the information, we'll have a good idea on his followup. He will be monitored very closely regardless of what agent we end up using. He came to us in great shape with relatively few symptoms, so I think he'll respond quite well to therapy."

The Devils open their season on Oct. 7, and Boyle still plans to be in the lineup at that time. In October 2007, NHL forward Jason Blake was diagnosed with the same disease, and he went on to play all 82 games during the season and didn’t retire for another five years, meaning there is precedent for athletes playing through this.

"I don't like missing games. It's just a thing you have to deal with, and that's for us to deal with," Boyle said.

The hockey community has quickly rallied around the 32-year-old since the news broke, including on Twitter. Here are some of those wishing him well.

New Jersey signed Boyle as a free agent to a two-year contract this offseason. He’s also played with the Kings, Rangers, Lightning, and Maple Leafs entering his 11th NHL season.