Returning to Lightning a 'huge option' for Boyle if they want him back
Brian Boyle isn't ruling out a reunion in Florida.
The veteran forward and pending unrestricted free agent says he's open to the possibility of rejoining the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"We love Tampa," Boyle told Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "If Tampa wanted to work out a deal, that's definitely a huge option for us. That's something that I've kind of always thought about. I haven't closed the door on anything."
The Lightning traded Boyle to the Toronto Maple Leafs for center Byron Froese and a second-round pick in February.
"I understand the part of the game - that makes sense to me," Boyle said Sunday. "I could definitely understand why things were done the way they were done, the situation the team was in, with the cap. You have to roll with it, it's going to happen. It's not a personal thing, can't take it personally."
Boyle played 21 regular-season games for the Leafs down the stretch and suited up for all six tightly contested first-round playoff games against the Washington Capitals.
"That was a blast," Boyle said. "We had a pretty fun couple of weeks in the playoffs, wish it was a little bit longer. (Leafs) fans were a blast, jumping on board. They deserve to have a good team there, the support and passion they have for the game. They have some really good young players, they're in a good spot."
The 32-year-old told Smith that a few teams have already reached out to him about his future, reiterating that the Lightning would have a shot if they're interested.
"I had a great time there," Boyle said. "Everybody in that organization treated me unbelievable. It was a blast to be part of it. Getting traded sucks. At the time, it's always kind of a change. When the season ended, I'm a free agent, and I've kind of been here before in this position. And I've been fortunate to enjoy every place that I've played. (Tampa) is a great place to be, great place to start a family. And, honestly, we'll see what they say. You want to be wanted. That's the other part."