Brian Boyle’s storybook 2017-18 campaign keeps getting better.
The New Jersey Devils forward has been selected to replace his teammate Taylor Hall on the Metropolitan Division team at the 2018 NHL All-Star Game this weekend in Tampa Bay, Fla.
The Devils announced the change Thursday night, as Hall recovers from a right hand/thumb injury.
Hall was an obvious choice to represent the Devils at the all-star festivities with 48 points through 43 games. Boyle has modest 11 goals and 17 points in 38 games played but arguably no player in the league has been more inspirational than the six-foot-six centre.
Boyle, 33, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in September but made his season debut in late October. He has continued to play while undergoing treatment.
“I’m very, very honoured,” Boyle told reporters following a 3-0 loss to the Nashville Predators. “It’s difficult because Taylor’s carried us a lot of the year,” Boyle said. “[Hall’s] had a phenomenal season. He’s a great teammate, a great player, a good person. You feel for him because he really should be representing us. But it’s an honour.”
Hall mentioned earlier this season that Boyle’s battle with illness has brought the team closer together and strengthened his own appreciation for the game.
“You appreciate your health a bit more, the fact you come to the rink every day to play a game. It puts everything into a different perspective,” Hall said back in November.
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