Boyle, who signed a two-year contract with the Devils prior to the season, was a veteran leader in the locker room and helped New Jersey to a 44-29-9 record and its first Stanley Cup Playoff berth since 2012. New Jersey finished with 97 points, 27 more than last season.
"I think the culture of the League throughout the years has been humble guys that work hard," Boyle said. "Obviously, it's a competitive league and people want to win. But the humility that these guys have had, the character of the guys that have come before us, it's up to the players now to carry on that tradition. We are fortunate to be in this league and we have great examples in front of us."
Boyle is the second Devils player to win the Masterton. Defenseman Ken Daneyko won it in 2000 after overcoming alcoholism.
The other finalists were Roberto Luongo of the Florida Panthers and Jordan Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes. Luongo, 39, overcame hand and groin injuries to help the Panthers make a late playoff push. Staal, 29, missed three games in February following his daughter, Hannah, being delivered stillborn due to a terminal birth defect. The award is presented by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
"I would like to acknowledge Jordan and Roberto because if I got up there that was part of what I wanted to say," Boyle said. "I also recognize how impressive that award has been to players that have won it in the past. Also, my faith has gotten me through this and I wanted to acknowledge that, but when I am up there, it was emotional because everything came back, all the stuff you tried to put away for a while. It all came flooding back and it was something else. It was nice to have my family right there in the second row and I could look at them. It helped me out quite a bit."