Devils center Brian Boyle has not practiced with his teammates or played in any preseason games since at his training camp physical, but there is a chance Dexter Fowler Jersey he might be in New Jersey's lineup Oct. 7 for its season-opener.
That po sibility was raised by Devils head coach John Hynes on Wednesday night, after his club closed out an impre sive 5-1-1 preseason with a 4-1 road victory over the Capitals.
Brian will be back with us starting (Thursday) and then well just kind of see where he goes over the next week," Hynes told reporters. "But nothing has been ruled out, yet,
Boyle has been undergoing treatments for cancer of the bone marrow while the rest of the team has been preparing for the season. Thursday is a scheduled off day for the Devils, but Boyle is expected to be at the team's facility. The hope is that Boyle will practice with the entire club on Friday Enos Slaughter Jersey and take part in the Devils' team-bonding trip to West Point that starts on Sunday. Rangel Ravelo Jersey
Brian Boyle (@BriBrows22)The 32-year-old Boyle stated a couple of weeks ago that his goal was to be ready for opening night and appear in all 82 games this season despite the setback of the treatable form of cancer.
"Hopefully, the season goes on as planned," Boyle said. "I want to help the Devils win some hockey games."
But can he realistically be ready to play Opening Night?
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"Were not going to rush him," explained Hynes. "If he is ready and he can get in a full week of practice in, thats probably fine. Hes not going to get a preseason game so no matter what hes going into a regular season game (first). If hes back with us next week, Ken Boyer Jersey were going to have some very intense practices and if he gets a full week I have a pretty strong feeling hell be ready to go. But well just discu s it with him Yadier Molina Jersey and see wheres at.
Prior to the 2007-08 season, Jason Blake of the Maple Leafs was also diagnosed with CML and appeared in all 82 games while totaling 52 points. He played five more seasons in the NHL before retiring and is cancer-free today.
The Devils already enter the regular season without one veteran center -- Travis Zajac is still recovering from August surgery on a torn pectoral muscle -- though it hardly slowed the club during the seven preseason games as other pivots played extremely well.
Top overall draft pick Nico Hischier scored four goals and had a three-point effort against the Capitals Wednesday. Veteran Marcus Johan son -- acquired from Washington Jordan Hicks Jersey this summer -- notched five a sists and added a goal in the preseason. Second-year pro Pavel Zacha, who can also play on the wing, scored three goals and five points. Adam Henrique picked up four a sists. And Joseph Blandisi, who is fighting for a roster spot at center, had a goal and three a sists.
