Former Leaf announces his retirement, takes the next step in his post hockey career

Brian Boyle was drafted 26th overall by Los Angeles in 2003, and played parts of 16 seasons with Los Angeles, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay, Toronto, New Jersey, Nashville, Florida, and Pittsburgh. Today, he announced his retirement from hockey at the age of 38 to pursue a role at the NHL Network as an analyst. Boyle was your typical fourth line tough guy but could also kill penalties and became an effective face-off man due to his 6'6 and 245 pound frame.

Unfortunately for Boyle, in September of 2017, as a member of the New Jersey Devils, he was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, a form of blood and bone marrow cancer. After receiving treatment for 13 months, Boyle announced his cancer was in remission. His perseverance and determination to play while battling cancer led him to receive the Bill Masterton award that season.

Boyle played 871 games in the NHL. He had 141 goals, 252 points in that span. His stay in Toronto only lasted 21 games, during the 2016-17 season, after being acquired in a deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

All the best to Brian in this next chapter of his life.