Brian Boyle was expecting to play for the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night. Things changed during his pregame nap.
The 32-year-old was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs hours before his now former club was set to host the Ottawa Senators. He's trading in one blue and white uniform for another.
"It's interesting when you wake up from a nap expecting to play and you're no longer with that club," Boyle said of the deal, which netted Tampa Bay a second-round draft pick and Byron Froese. "I moved up the standings in a matter of a couple of hours," he added.
Boyle spent the last two-and-a-half seasons in Tampa Bay, and he admitted it's hard to move on, especially after a couple of deep playoff runs.
"It's tough to say goodbye. I'm a fairly loyal guy," he said. "I'm going to miss my buddies. It's really been a pleasure to play down in Tampa, and it's been exciting," he added.
Boyle on #TBLightning breaking up: "It’s disappointing in the fact that what we had in Tampa our expectations for this year weren’t met."
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) February 27, 2017
Now joining Toronto for its playoff push, Boyle has a different kind of excitement to look forward to.
Playing for the Maple Leafs is an "unbelievable opportunity. They have some guys who are just phenomenal, phenomenal players," he said.
Boyle on going to Toronto: "Playing there as a visitor has always been tremendously exciting." Loves buzz around city for hockey.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) February 27, 2017
The Maple Leafs begin a three-game road trip in San Jose on Tuesday, and Boyle is hoping to be in the lineup for his new team.
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