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Brian Boyle signed a three-year, $6-million deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 1, and he and his wife were so excited to make the move down to Florida that he mixed up his sports metaphors to describe the opportunity.

"It was kind of a home run," Boyle told the Tampa Bay Times.

While swinging for the fences, Boyle admitted he turned down a more lucrative offer from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In Tampa Bay, he sees an opportunity to remain with a competitive team and challenge for the Stanley Cup, as he did this past season with the New York Rangers.

"Just seeing what the team has been able to do a couple years ago and this past year, some are young guys and in terms of on-ice production, I was really, really excited to try to be a part of it," he said.

Boyle added the presence and input of former Rangers captain Ryan Callahan played a big part in his decision. "He was raving about it," Boyle said, "so obviously I took his word for it."

The 29-year-old scored six goals and added 12 assists last season while largely playing a bottom-six checking role for the Rangers.