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Brian Boyle
Brian Boyle
Brian Boyle
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Brian Paul Boyle (born December 18, 1984) is an American former professional ice hockey center who works as an analyst for NHL Network. Boyle has previously played for the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Nashville Predators, Florida Panthers and Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He attended St. Sebastian's School in Needham, Massachusetts, before moving on to Boston College. Boyle grew up in Hingham, just south of Boston.

Key Information

Playing career

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Los Angeles Kings

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Boyle was drafted in the first round, 26th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He played four seasons at Boston College before making his professional debut with the Kings' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, in 2007.

In the 2007–08 season, Boyle made his NHL debut with the Kings against the New Jersey Devils on February 2, 2008. He scored his first career NHL goal that same night against Martin Brodeur in a 6–3 defeat.[1] He scored four goals in his first seven NHL games, three in his first four.

New York Rangers

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Boyle with the Rangers in December 2011

At the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, on June 27, Boyle was traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for a third-round pick in 2010 (used to select Jordan Weal).[2]

During the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, Boyle suffered a concussion after being hit by Ottawa Senators' forward Chris Neil. Boyle subsequently missed three games.[3] Earlier in the same series, Ottawa defenseman Matt Carkner received a one-game suspension for repeatedly punching Boyle in the face. The attack came in response to an unprovoked incident in Game 1 of the series in which Boyle punched Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson in the face.[4]

Tampa Bay Lightning

[edit]

On July 1, 2014, Boyle left the Rangers after five seasons and signed a three-year, $6 million contract as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Lightning.[5] He changed his sweater number from number 22, which he wore with both the Kings and Rangers, to number 11 out of respect to his best friend and former college hockey player who died that summer.[6] On December 12, 2015, Boyle skated in his 500th career NHL game in a 1–2 Lightning loss to the visiting Washington Capitals.[7] On May 24, 2016, Boyle recorded his first career two goal game in the playoffs.[8] On May 26, Boyle played in his 100th career Stanley Cup playoff game.[9]

Toronto Maple Leafs

[edit]
Boyle with the Maple Leafs during the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs

Burdened by imminent salary cap space issues and sitting outside of a playoff spot, the Lightning traded Boyle two days before the NHL trade deadline on February 27, 2017, to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Byron Froese and a conditional 2017 second-round draft pick.[10] Boyle, who was on pace for his best season offensively with Tampa Bay, was in the final season of his three-year contract.

Boyle's size, penalty killing abilities and faceoff skills were all major factors in leading the Maple Leafs to target the center.[11] Boyle's playoff experience was also highly coveted (he had played the most playoff games of any player since 2011) by the team made up by a plethora of inexperienced rookies on the cusp of making the post-season.[11] He switched to number 24 in Toronto as number 11 (which he wore in Tampa Bay) was taken by Zach Hyman. Boyle was slotted on the fourth line primarily centreing Matt Martin and Nikita Soshnikov (with Kasperi Kapanen filling in following a late season injury by Soshnikov). Boyle's offensive production declined as a result of the decreased ice time, but his faceoff abilities allowed the team to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in four years. He tallied two assists in the series against the top seeded Washington Capitals as the Maple Leafs fell in six games.

New Jersey Devils

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As an unrestricted free agent, on July 1, 2017, Boyle signed a two-year, $5.1 million contract with New Jersey Devils.[12] On November 1, 2017, Boyle played in his first game since his diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia, also his first game with the Devils, against the Vancouver Canucks just over a week after returning to practice.[13] On November 9, he scored his first goal as a member of the Devils, as well as his first goal since his cancer diagnosis, against Cam Talbot of the Edmonton Oilers. "I've never cried after a goal before," Boyle told MSG during a first-intermission interview. "That's a great feeling. It's everything."[14] On January 25, 2018, it was announced Boyle would replace Taylor Hall for the All-Star Game, the latter who suffered a hand injury.[15] During the All-Star Skills Competition on January 27, Boyle finished second in the Accuracy Shooting challenge.[16] At the end of the 2017–18 season, Boyle was selected as the Devils' nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.[17] On April 16, Boyle engaged in a fight with Tampa Bay defenseman Mikhail Sergachev. After both players were restrained, Boyle made threatening comments towards Sergachev, saying, "I'm gonna kill you."[18] On April 21, Boyle was declared as the finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which he subsequently won on June 20.[19]

The following year, Boyle returned to the Devils and played in his 700th NHL game on October 25.[20] On November 5, Hockey Fights Cancer night, he recorded his first career NHL hat trick in a 5–1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.[21]

Nashville Predators

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On February 6, 2019, Boyle was traded to the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2019 second-round pick.[22]

Florida Panthers

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As a free agent at the conclusion of his contract with the Predators and despite NHL interest, Boyle went unsigned over the summer. Remaining a free agent leading into the 2019–20 season, Boyle signed a one-year, $940,000 contract with the Florida Panthers on October 21, 2019.[23]

Pittsburgh Penguins

[edit]

After not playing in the 2020–21 season, Boyle was signed to a professional tryout contract (PTO) by the Pittsburgh Penguins on September 3, 2021.[24] On October 12, 2021, it was announced that Boyle's tryout was successful, and he had signed a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Penguins. [25] That same day, he appeared in his first NHL game since August 7, 2020, scoring a goal in a 6–2 victory against one of his former teams, the Tampa Bay Lightning. [26]

Broadcasting career

[edit]

On March 22, 2023, Boyle announced his retirement from professional ice hockey and that he would subsequently join NHL Network as an analyst.[27]

Personal life

[edit]

Boyle is the seventh of 13 children in his family.[28] Boyle's younger brother Timothy was drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators.[29][30]

In 1998, when Boyle was 14 years old, his father Arthur was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer. Given a terminal diagnosis, he travelled to Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a Catholic pilgrimage site. When he returned home, a CT scan showed that his cancer had shrunk significantly, a fact he attributes to his journey.[31][28] As of 2015 he was living cancer free and leading annual trips to the site.[32][28]

Boyle married his wife in 2014, and they have two children.[33]

On September 19, 2017, Boyle released a statement announcing he had been diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, a form of blood and bone marrow cancer treatable by medication, adding that was the cause of his absence over the summer of training camp.[34] On October 24, 2018, Boyle announced that his leukemia was in full molecular remission but he would remain on medication.[35]

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2000–01 Saint Sebastian's School HS-Prep 25 20 19 39 23 — — — — —
2001–02 Saint Sebastian's School HS-Prep 28 21 26 47 22 — — — — —
2002–03 Saint Sebastian's School HS-Prep 31 32 31 63 46 — — — — —
2003–04 Boston College HE 35 5 3 8 36 — — — — —
2004–05 Boston College HE 40 19 8 27 64 — — — — —
2005–06 Boston College HE 42 22 30 52 90 — — — — —
2006–07 Boston College HE 42 19 34 53 104 — — — — —
2006–07 Manchester Monarchs AHL 2 0 0 0 2 16 3 5 8 13
2007–08 Manchester Monarchs AHL 70 31 31 62 87 — — — — —
2007–08 Los Angeles Kings NHL 8 4 1 5 4 — — — — —
2008–09 Los Angeles Kings NHL 28 4 1 5 42 — — — — —
2008–09 Manchester Monarchs AHL 42 10 11 21 73 — — — — —
2009–10 New York Rangers NHL 71 4 2 6 47 — — — — —
2010–11 New York Rangers NHL 82 21 14 35 74 5 0 0 0 6
2011–12 New York Rangers NHL 82 11 15 26 59 17 3 3 6 15
2012–13 New York Rangers NHL 38 2 3 5 29 11 3 2 5 2
2013–14 New York Rangers NHL 82 6 12 18 56 25 3 5 8 19
2014–15 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL 82 15 9 24 54 25 1 1 2 10
2015–16 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL 76 13 7 20 57 17 5 0 5 20
2016–17 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL 54 13 9 22 48 — — — — —
2016–17 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 21 0 3 3 18 6 0 2 2 6
2017–18 New Jersey Devils NHL 69 13 10 23 45 5 0 0 0 14
2018–19 New Jersey Devils NHL 47 13 6 19 22 — — — — —
2018–19 Nashville Predators NHL 26 5 0 5 16 3 0 2 2 2
2019–20 Florida Panthers NHL 39 6 9 15 17 4 1 0 1 12
2021–22 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 66 11 10 21 27 6 0 2 2 0
NHL totals 871 141 111 252 615 124 16 17 33 106
Medal record
Representing  United States
Ice hockey
World Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2021 Latvia

International

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Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2021 United States WC 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 10 2 1 3 4
Senior totals 10 2 1 3 4

Awards and honors

[edit]
Award Year
College
Hockey East All-Tournament Team 2005, 2006, 2007 [36]
Hockey East Tournament MVP 2005
All-Hockey East First Team 2005–06, 2006–07
AHCA East Second-Team All-American 2005–06
AHCA East First-Team All-American 2006–07
All-NCAA All-Tournament Team 2007 [37]
AHL
All-Rookie Team 2007–08
NHL
All-Star Game 2018 [15]
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy 2018

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Brian Boyle

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Brian Boyle (born December 18, 1984) is an American former forward who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 2008 to 2022. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) and weighing 245 pounds (111 kg), Boyle was known as a valued for his physical play, faceoff skills, and penalty-killing abilities. Drafted in the first round, 26th overall, by the in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, he honed his skills over four seasons at , where he earned East First-Team All-American honors in 2007 and recorded back-to-back 50-point seasons in his junior and senior years. Making his NHL debut with the Kings on February 2, 2008, Boyle scored four goals in his first seven games before being traded to the in 2009, where he established himself as a key middle-six forward. Over his NHL career, Boyle suited up for eight teams: , Rangers, , , , , , and , amassing 141 goals and 111 assists for 252 points in 871 regular-season games, along with 33 points in 124 playoff games. His tenure with the from 2014 to 2017 included two Eastern Conference Final appearances and a trip to the 2015 Final, while stints with the Rangers and Maple Leafs highlighted his versatility on checking lines. Internationally, he represented the at the 2013 and 2021 IIHF World Championships, contributing to wins both times. In September 2017, while with the Devils, Boyle was diagnosed with chronic , a treatable form of cancer; he began medication immediately and achieved full remission by October 2018, returning to score his first career that November on Hockey Fights Cancer Night. Following his retirement after the 2021–22 season with , Boyle transitioned to broadcasting, joining NHL Network as a studio analyst in March 2023.

Early life and education

Family background

Brian Paul Boyle was born on December 18, 1984, in , where he was raised in a close-knit Irish-Catholic household. As one of 13 children born to Artie and Judy Boyle (including one who died in infancy)—the seventh of seven surviving boys and five girls, with his younger brother having tragically died at two months old from in 1986—the family emphasized strong bonds forged through shared experiences in a bustling home. Growing up sharing rooms with three or four siblings, Boyle's competitive nature and relentless were profoundly shaped by the sibling rivalries and mutual support that defined daily life, instilling a sense of resilience and teamwork from an early age. Boyle's father, Artie, a former truck company owner and salesman who later worked for the Archdiocese of Boston after surviving terminal , was a dedicated "" who had played the sport in high school and at the , providing constant encouragement and involvement in his children's athletic pursuits. His mother, Judy, played a pivotal role in sustaining the large family through savvy investments and meticulous financial management, ensuring stability amid the demands of raising so many children while fostering an environment rich in family activities. The family's early exposure to sports came through Artie's passion for hockey and the parents' commitment to keeping all the children active, with Boyle beginning to skate at age three and developing a deep love for the game that permeated his childhood. This initial interest, sparked by familial play and local sports culture including fandom for the Bruins, soon led him into structured youth hockey programs.

Education and youth development

Boyle attended St. Sebastian's School, an all-boys Catholic independent day school in , from grades 7 through 12, graduating in 2003. As a student-athlete, he excelled in school sports, particularly hockey, where his teams captured two New England preparatory titles during his tenure. In his senior year (2002–03), Boyle earned Independent School League Keller Division Most Valuable Player honors after amassing 63 points in 31 games, a performance that also led to him being named the United States Hockey Report Player of the Year. Boyle's early hockey development began locally in the Hingham and area, where he first laced up skates at age three and progressed through youth leagues affiliated with organizations like the Eastern Hockey Federation and the South Shore Kings. His family's support played a key role, with his father, a former high school and college goalie, often coaching him during games and the siblings attending tournaments together. During adolescence, Boyle experienced significant physical growth that influenced his on-ice style, frequently leading coaches to place him in older youth groups where his size provided an advantage. By the end of high school, he had reached 6 feet 6 inches tall and 225 pounds, honing a presence characterized by physicality and reach that carried into his later career.

Amateur career

Junior hockey

Boyle honed his skills in the United States High School-Prep (USHS-Prep) league at St. Sebastian's School, where he played three seasons from 2000 to 2003. In the 2000–01 season, he recorded 20 goals and 19 assists for 39 points in 25 games. In the 2001–02 season, the 17-year-old posted 21 goals and 26 assists for 47 points in 28 games, showcasing his emerging scoring ability and physical presence on the ice. The following year, Boyle elevated his game during the 2002–03 season, leading St. Sebastian's with 32 goals and 31 assists for 63 points in 31 games, contributing to the team's strong performance in the prep circuit, including multiple successes that drew widespread scout attention. His dominant play, highlighted by being named the best professional prospect at a key , underscored his rapid development as a . These standout junior performances culminated in Boyle being selected 26th overall by the in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, recognizing his potential as a big-bodied with NHL upside. At St. Sebastian's, Boyle, already towering at 6 feet 6 inches, refined key attributes including his physical play to control board battles and faceoff prowess that would become hallmarks of his style.

College career

Boyle enrolled at in 2003 and played four seasons for the Eagles men's team from 2003 to 2007. In his freshman season of 2003–04, Boyle appeared in 35 games, registering 5 goals and 3 assists for 8 points while accumulating 36 penalty minutes. The Eagles captured the regular season title that year with a 29–9–4 overall record. As a sophomore in 2004–05, Boyle broke out offensively with 19 goals and 8 assists for 27 points in 40 games, leading the team in goals and earning selection to the Superskills All-Rookie Team. He was named MVP of the Tournament, where defeated 3–1 in the championship game to claim the conference title and earn an NCAA Tournament berth. Boyle also received the program's James E. Tiernan Memorial Award as the team's most improved player. During his junior year in 2005–06, Boyle recorded 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points in 42 games, helping the Eagles win the Hockey East regular season championship for the third straight year. His performance earned him Hockey East First Team All-Star honors and selection to the AHCA East Second-Team All-American squad, as well as a spot on the Hockey East All-Tournament Team. Boston College advanced to the NCAA championship final but fell to Wisconsin. Boyle capped his college career as a senior in 2006–07, leading the Eagles with 19 goals and 34 assists for 53 points in 42 games while ranking second on the team in with a +17 rating. He won the scoring title with 37 points (13 goals, 24 assists) in 27 conference games and earned First Team All-Conference honors and AHCA East First-Team All-American recognition. Boyle contributed significantly to College's repeat regular season and tournament championships, including a 5–2 win over in the title game; the Eagles advanced to the NCAA championship final but lost to Michigan State. He also shared the program's John J. Jordan Memorial Award for leadership with teammate . Following the conclusion of his senior season, Boyle signed a two-year entry-level contract with the on April 16, 2007, forgoing his remaining eligibility to begin his professional career. Over his four years at , he amassed 65 goals and 75 assists for 140 points in 159 games.

Professional career

Los Angeles Kings

Boyle signed a two-year entry-level contract with the on April 16, 2007, shortly after leading to the 2007 NCAA national championship. He began his professional career with the Kings' (AHL) affiliate, the Monarchs, appearing in two regular-season games during the 2006–07 season. The following year, in 2007–08, Boyle had a breakout AHL campaign with Manchester, posting 31 goals and 31 assists in 70 games en route to earning a selection to the AHL All-Rookie Team. Boyle made his NHL debut with on February 2, 2008, against the , and went on to play eight games that season, recording four goals and one assist while filling a limited bottom-six forward role focused on energy and physicality. In the 2008–09 season, Boyle received more opportunities with , appearing in 28 games and contributing four goals and one assist, demonstrating gradual improvement in his offensive output as a physical presence on the fourth line. On June 27, 2009, the Kings traded Boyle to the in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft (used to select Jordan Weal). In total, Boyle played 36 games for the Kings, tallying eight goals and two assists.

New York Rangers

Boyle experienced a breakout season with the in 2010–11, posting career highs of 21 goals and 35 points in 82 games while establishing himself as a reliable penalty killer and faceoff specialist with a 48.5% win rate on draws. His offensive surge contributed to the Rangers' defensive-oriented system under coach , where Boyle's size and tenacity helped anchor the bottom-six forward group. From 2011–12 to 2013–14, Boyle maintained consistent production with 11 goals in 2011–12, 2 goals during the lockout-shortened –13 campaign, and 6 goals in 2013–14, often logging heavy minutes in checking roles. He played a pivotal part in the Rangers' Eastern Finals run, scoring 3 goals across 17 playoff games, including key contributions in the first-round victory over . Under Tortorella's demanding defensive structure, Boyle exemplified the team's gritty identity, accumulating 265 penalty minutes and 918 hits over his Rangers tenure while earning Selke Trophy votes in 2010–11 and 2011–12 for his two-way play. Boyle signed a three-year, $5.1 million contract extension with the Rangers in July 2011, securing his role through the 2013–14 season. Following the Rangers' run to the 2014 Final, he departed as an unrestricted , signing a three-year deal with the on , 2014. In 355 regular-season games with New York from 2009–10 to 2013–14, Boyle recorded 44 goals, 46 assists, and 90 points, adding 9 goals and 10 assists in 58 playoff appearances.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Boyle signed a three-year, $6 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning as an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2014. During the 2014–15 season, Boyle solidified his role as a dependable third-line center for the Lightning, playing all 82 regular-season games and registering 15 goals, 9 assists, and 24 points, along with a plus-3 rating. He excelled in faceoffs, winning 50.8 percent of his draws, and brought a physical edge to the lineup with consistent forechecking and net-front presence on the penalty kill. In the playoffs, Boyle appeared in all 26 games as Tampa Bay advanced through the first two rounds before defeating the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Final to reach the Stanley Cup Final, where they lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in six games; he contributed 1 goal and 1 assist while logging significant minutes in defensive situations. Boyle remained a steady presence in the 2015–16 season, suiting up for 76 games with 13 goals, 7 assists, and 20 points, while posting a 50.7 percent faceoff success rate and providing physicality through 159 hits. The Lightning once again reached the Eastern Conference Final but fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in seven games, with Boyle adding 5 goals in 12 playoff contests to aid the team's gritty style. In 2016–17, he notched 13 goals and 9 assists in 54 games before the Lightning traded him to the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 27, 2017, for forward Byron Froese and a second-round draft pick. Across 212 games with Tampa Bay over parts of three seasons, Boyle tallied 41 goals, 25 assists, and 66 points, anchoring the bottom six with his size, defensive reliability, and playoff pedigree from the prior year's Stanley Cup Final run with the Rangers.

Toronto Maple Leafs

On February 27, 2017, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Brian Boyle from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Byron Froese and a second-round pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. The trade addressed Toronto's need for a reliable fourth-line center with strong faceoff skills and penalty-killing experience, as Boyle had won 53 percent of his draws that season, including 50 percent shorthanded. As a 32-year-old veteran from Hingham, Massachusetts, Boyle's move to Toronto represented a return to the Northeast, bringing him closer to his home region and allowing him to contribute to a rebuilding team featuring emerging stars. In 21 regular-season games with the Maple Leafs during the 2016–17 campaign, Boyle recorded 3 assists and no goals, while accumulating 18 penalty minutes and posting a minus-2 rating. He quickly assumed a role on a young roster, serving as a mentor to rookies like by offering guidance on professional routines and playoff preparation, drawing from his own experiences in high-stakes postseason runs. Boyle also captained shifts on the penalty kill, leveraging his size (6-foot-7, 244 pounds) and positioning to help achieve an 82.5 percent success rate, ranking 10th in the NHL that season. His steady presence stabilized the fourth line and provided intangible benefits, such as fostering accountability among younger players during a playoff push. Boyle appeared in all six games of Toronto's first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals, logging 13:42 average time on ice per game and recording 2 assists (2 points). The Maple Leafs fell in six games, but Boyle's physicality and reliability on special teams offered a glimpse of veteran poise for the developing squad. Upon the conclusion of the 2016–17 season, Boyle became an unrestricted and departed , having totaled 27 games (21 regular season plus 6 playoff), 5 points, and a key role in team leadership during his brief tenure.

New Jersey Devils

On July 1, 2017, Brian Boyle signed a two-year contract with the worth $5.1 million, with an annual average value of $2.55 million, as an unrestricted following his stint with the . The deal aimed to bolster the Devils' bottom-six forward group with Boyle's physical presence and faceoff prowess. Just weeks into training camp, on September 19, 2017, Boyle was diagnosed with chronic (CML), a treatable form of cancer manageable with oral medication. The diagnosis sidelined him for the early part of the 2017–18 season, causing him to miss the first 13 games as he began treatment. Boyle returned to the lineup on November 1, 2017, making his Devils debut in a 2–0 win against the Vancouver Canucks, where he received a standing ovation from fans and opponents alike. In an emotional moment during a December 21, 2017, matchup against the New York Rangers—his former team—Boyle contributed to a 4–3 shootout victory, recording an assist and expressing the personal significance of competing while managing his health. He scored his first goal since the diagnosis on November 9, 2017, against the Edmonton Oilers, further marking his resilient comeback. Despite the adversity, Boyle appeared in 69 games during the 2017–18 season, posting 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points, while averaging 13:17 of ice time per game and ranking among the team's leaders in hits. On November 2, 2018, Boyle scored his first career in a 5–2 win over the on Hockey Fights Cancer Night, shortly after achieving full remission from his in October 2018. His perseverance earned him the Bill Memorial Trophy in June 2018, awarded for dedication to hockey amid his ongoing treatment. In the 2018–19 season, Boyle continued as a key depth center for the Devils, recording 13 goals and 6 assists in 47 games before being traded to the on February 6, 2019, in exchange for a second-round draft pick. Over his two seasons with , he tallied 26 goals and 42 points in 116 games, providing leadership and physicality to a young roster navigating playoff contention.

Nashville Predators

On February 6, 2019, Brian Boyle was traded to the from the in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, bringing veteran experience and physicality to the team's depth forward group ahead of the . Following his recovery from chronic myeloid leukemia diagnosed in 2017, Boyle provided leadership and energy on the fourth line during the remainder of the 2018–19 regular season. In 26 regular-season games with the Predators, Boyle scored 5 goals with no assists for 5 points, while posting 16 penalty minutes and winning 52.3% of his faceoffs, often centering an energy line that emphasized forechecking and physical play. His acquisition was part of Nashville's deadline strategy to bolster playoff toughness, complementing additions like . Boyle appeared in 3 playoff games during the second round against the , recording 2 assists and a plus-4 rating, while contributing to the team's physical presence with hits such as a clean check on Stars forward in Game 1. His participation was limited by an after Game 1, causing him to miss Games 2 through 4 before returning for the final two contests in the series, which Nashville lost 4–2. Boyle became an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2019, after completing the final year of his previous contract. Over his brief tenure with the Predators, he totaled 26 regular-season games with 5 goals and 5 points, plus 3 playoff games with 2 assists.

Florida Panthers

Boyle signed a one-year, $940,000 contract with the as a on October 20, 2019. In the 2019–20 season, he appeared in 39 regular-season games, tallying 6 goals and 9 assists for 15 points while providing physical play and bottom-six forward depth as a presence. On February 1, 2020, Boyle sustained an upper-body injury during a game against the , which placed him on injured reserve and caused him to miss the final portion of the regular season before the league paused operations due to the . He returned for the Panthers' four-game qualifying round series in the bubble, logging 11:23 average time on ice per game and recording 1 goal (1 point) in the eventual 3–1 series loss to the . Over his lone season with , Boyle amassed 6 goals and 9 assists in 39 regular-season games, plus 4 playoff appearances with 1 point, demonstrating perseverance amid health setbacks and league disruptions that limited his role.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Boyle joined the on a professional tryout contract on September 3, 2021, before securing a one-year, $750,000 deal on October 12, 2021, the same day he made his debut and scored against the . In his only full season with during 2021–22, Boyle skated in 66 regular-season games, contributing 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points while primarily serving in a bottom-six forward capacity that occasionally included power-play responsibilities. His scoring output included a season-high three points (two goals and an assist) in a single game against the on March 27, 2022. Boyle's final NHL goal arrived on March 29, 2022, in a 5–1 victory over the . Boyle appeared in six playoff games for that spring, logging zero points as the team fell to the Rangers in the first round. His last NHL appearance came in Game 6 of that series on May 14, 2022, where he exited early after just 1:25 of ice time due to a lower-body injury, missing the decisive Game 7. Although he entered the 2022 offseason as an unrestricted and drew interest from several teams, Boyle did not sign for the 2022–23 campaign. On March 22, 2023, he formally announced his retirement after 14 NHL seasons, transitioning directly into a role. Over his Penguins tenure, Boyle amassed 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) in 66 regular-season games and added six postseason outings without points.

International career

IIHF World Championships

Boyle was selected to represent the at the held in , , marking his first senior international appearance after going unsigned during the . At 36 years old, he was the oldest player on the roster, providing veteran leadership to a team featuring several young NHL prospects like . Boyle assumed the captaincy for the tournament's final games following an injury to initial captain , guiding the squad through the knockout stages. In 10 games, Boyle recorded 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points, along with a +2 rating and 4 penalty minutes. His goals came in pivotal moments: the first against in a 4-2 preliminary-round victory on May 27, assisted by Kevin Labanc and Abdelkader, and the opening goal in the quarterfinal win over on June 3, helping secure a 6-1 result that advanced the U.S. to the semifinals. Although the U.S. fell to in the semifinals, Boyle's steady presence contributed to the team's resilience. The clinched the with a decisive 6-1 victory over in the third-place game on , Boyle's first international and a highlight of his career as a late-career addition to the national team. As a defensive-minded , he emphasized team unity and mentorship, drawing on his NHL experience to support the younger players during the tournament's demanding schedule.

Other international appearances

Boyle's senior international appearances for the were confined to the , where he captained the team to a . He had no prior participation in other senior IIHF tournaments during his professional career. Despite his extensive NHL tenure spanning over a decade with multiple teams, Boyle was not selected for any Olympic rosters. The U.S. men's national team competed in the Winter Olympics of 2010 in , 2014 in , 2018 in PyeongChang, and 2022 in , but Boyle's career timing and roster decisions precluded his involvement in these events. Boyle's youth international experience was minimal, consisting primarily of preparatory exhibitions during his time at St. Sebastian's School, without notable senior-level opportunities until late in his career. This brevity in international play stands in contrast to his prolonged success at the club level in the NHL, where he accumulated over 800 games.

Post-retirement activities

Retirement

On March 22, 2023, Brian Boyle announced his retirement from at the age of 38, concluding a 14-season NHL career that spanned 871 regular-season games across eight teams. Several factors contributed to Boyle's decision to retire, including the cumulative toll of injuries such as a significant left knee procedure he underwent in May 2022 following the ' playoff run, as well as his ongoing recovery from a 2017 diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia, a treatable form of blood and bone marrow cancer that he managed while continuing to play. Additionally, Boyle cited family priorities, expressing contentment in focusing on his role as a stay-at-home after the recent birth of his third child, and an eagerness to transition into broadcasting to discuss the game he loves. Reflecting on his career totals of 141 goals, 111 assists, 252 points, and 615 penalty minutes, Boyle's retirement announcement during an appearance on NHL Network featured an emotional segment where he highlighted his perseverance through health challenges and personal milestones, stating, "Nobody wants to stop playing, but talking about the game I love is something that is really exciting for me." Boyle had last played during the 2021–22 season with the , where he signed a one-year contract after a professional tryout and contributed 11 goals and 10 assists in 66 games before a knee injury sidelined him in the playoffs; he did not appear on an NHL roster for the 2022–23 season prior to his official retirement.

Broadcasting career

Following his retirement from professional hockey, Brian Boyle transitioned into , joining NHL Network as a studio analyst on March 22, 2023. In this role, he contributes to programs such as NHL Tonight, , and playoff coverage, providing analysis from a former player's perspective. During the 2023–24 season, Boyle focused on Eastern Conference matchups, earning praise for his detailed insights into power forwards and faceoff strategies, drawing on his 14-year NHL career. His commentary emphasized practical on-ice tactics, offering viewers a relatable breakdown of physical play and puck battles. In the 2024–25 season, he covered the ' back-to-back victories through NHL Network panels and social media commentary, highlighting team dynamics during their rematch against the . In March 2025, Boyle co-launched the "One Time All Stars" with former goaltender in partnership with the , focusing on NHL alumni stories and hockey insights. Boyle's style remains centered on accessible, player-informed analysis.

Personal life

Family

Brian Boyle married Lauren Bedford in 2014 after meeting her in New York City through mutual friends on a double date arranged by acquaintances. The couple has three children: son Declan, born in 2015 during the playoffs; daughter Isabella, born in 2017; and son Callum, born in late 2021. The family frequently relocated to accommodate Boyle's NHL career, including moves to Tampa, Florida, with the Lightning and Pittsburgh with the Penguins, where Lauren managed household responsibilities and child care during his absences. Boyle comes from a large family as the seventh of 13 children born to his parents in , with 11 surviving siblings after the early death of one brother. The extended family remains close, holding annual gatherings such as celebrations that emphasize togetherness. Post-retirement, Boyle has prioritized work-life balance, often serving as a stay-at-home father while Lauren pursues her career. Throughout Boyle's career transitions and health challenges, his family provided unwavering support; notably, became the NHL's Hockey Fights Cancer ambassador in , helping the family navigate the emotional toll of his illness.

Health challenges

On September 19, 2017, during a routine physical with the , Brian Boyle was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a slow-progressing form of blood and bone marrow cancer detected through abnormal bloodwork from the previous season. The condition was identified at an early stage, making it highly treatable without the need for aggressive interventions like . Boyle began treatment immediately with daily oral medication, specifically (Gleevec), a that inhibits the abnormal protein driving CML cell growth, along with regular blood monitoring to track progress. This regimen allowed him to miss only the first 10 games of the 2017-18 season before returning to play on November 1, 2017, against the . His family provided crucial emotional support throughout the initial uncertainty, helping him navigate the diagnosis. The public announcement of his diagnosis on September 19, 2017, drew widespread support from the NHL community, including messages from players, teams, and fans, which Boyle credited with bolstering his resolve to continue his career. This perseverance amid his health battle earned him the 2018 , awarded by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association for embodying the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. By October 24, 2018, Boyle achieved full molecular remission, with no detectable signs of the disease following confirmatory blood tests, though he continued daily medication to maintain this status and underwent periodic monitoring. As of 2025, he remains in remission with no recurrence reported, and he has actively advocated for cancer awareness through NHL initiatives, including participating in Hockey Fights Cancer events and sharing his story to promote early detection and research funding.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Boyle's National Hockey League (NHL) career spanned 14 seasons from 2007–08 to 2021–22, during which he appeared in 871 regular-season games, recording 141 goals, 111 assists, and 252 points, along with 615 penalty minutes. His playoff participation included 124 games across 11 postseasons, where he tallied 16 goals, 17 assists, and 33 points. The following tables detail his regular-season and playoff performances, with statistics sourced from official NHL records.

Regular Season Statistics

SeasonTeam(s)GPGAPPIM+/-PPGSHGGWGHits
2007–0884154+400010
2008–092841542-900166
2009–107142647-6001143
2010–118221143574+2412240
2011–128211152659+2002236
2012–133823529-13001145
2013–14826121856+1101154
2014–15821592454+3035128
2015–16761372057-7224115
2016–17 / 7513122566+3302115
2017–186913102345-9502126
2018–19 / 731862438-14714145
2019–2039691517-510165
2021–226611102127+601195
Career871141111252615-42238271,583
Note: Hits data is available starting from the 2007–08 season and reflects tracked physical play metrics. No games were played in the 2020–21 or 2022–23 seasons. Multi-team seasons reflect combined totals after trades or signings.

Playoff Statistics

YearTeam (Round)GPGAPPIM
2011New York Rangers (Eastern Conference Quarterfinals)50006
2012 (Eastern Conference Finals)1733615
2013 (Eastern Conference Quarterfinals)113252
2014 (Stanley Cup Finals)2535819
2015 (Stanley Cup Finals)2511210
2016 (Eastern Conference Finals)1750520
2017 (Eastern Conference First Round)60226
2018 (Eastern Conference First Round)500014
2019 (Central Division First Round)30222
2020 (Qualifying Round)410112
2022 (Eastern Conference First Round)60220
Career124161733106
Note: Playoff appearances correspond to Boyle's team affiliations during each postseason, including trades or free-agent signings prior to the playoffs.

International

Boyle represented the at the IIHF World Championships in 2013 and 2021, contributing to bronze medal wins in both tournaments as a veteran leader.

2013 IIHF World Championship

Boyle appeared in all 10 games for the , contributing 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points while providing physical presence and leadership.
GPGAPPIM+/-
104374+2

2021 IIHF World Championship

Boyle appeared in all 10 games for the , contributing offensively while providing physical presence and leadership on the fourth line.
GPGAPPIM+/-
102134+2
Boyle did not participate in any Olympic tournaments during his career. His career international totals stand at 20 games played, 6 goals, 4 assists, 10 points, 8 penalty minutes, and a +4 plus/minus rating.

Awards and honors

Professional awards

Boyle was selected to the 2018 NHL All-Star Game, representing the New Jersey Devils in his only All-Star appearance. In recognition of his perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey following a September 2017 diagnosis of during training camp—which he managed with medication while continuing to play—Boyle won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy at the end of the 2017–18 season. He became the second Devils player to receive the award, after in 1999–2000. Earlier in his career, Boyle earned a spot on the American Hockey League's All-Rookie Team for the 2007–08 season with the Manchester Monarchs, where he led all league rookies with 31 goals in 70 games. Boyle appeared in two Stanley Cup Finals but did not win the championship: in 2014 with the New York Rangers, where the team lost to the Los Angeles Kings in five games, and in 2015 with the Tampa Bay Lightning, falling to the Chicago Blackhawks in six games.

Amateur and college awards

During his time at St. Sebastian's School in Needham, Massachusetts, from 2000 to 2003, Boyle earned several accolades in prep hockey. As a senior in the 2002–03 season, he received All-New England honors as a forward. He was also named to the 2002–03 Boston Globe All-Scholastic team. He also received the John A. Carlton Memorial Trophy from the Boston Bruins as the top Eastern Massachusetts high school player. Additionally, Boyle was selected as the USHR Player of the Year for his performance at St. Sebastian's, where he stood out as a 6-foot-6 center. Earlier reports indicate he won Independent School League Keller Division Most Valuable Player honors during his high school career. Boyle transitioned to collegiate hockey at , playing for the Eagles from 2003 to 2007. In his freshman year (2003–04), he was named to the All-Hockey East Rookie Team. As a in 2004–05, Boyle received the James E. Tiernan Award as the team's most improved player. During the 2004–05 Tournament, he earned honors and was selected to the All-Tournament Team. In his junior season (2005–06), Boyle was recognized as an AHCA East Second-Team All-American. He also earned All-Hockey East First Team honors that year. As a senior captain in 2006–07, Boyle achieved AHCA East First-Team All-American status. He repeated as an All-Hockey East First Team selection. Boyle shared the John A. "Snooks" Kelley Award, given to the team's most valuable player, with goaltender . At the 2007 NCAA Championship, he was named to the All-Tournament Team after won the national title.

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