TORONTO, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Blake, who played in his first NHL All-Star game last year, has been diagnosed with a “highly treatable” form of leukemia.
Blake, 34, Monday said he has chronic myleogenous leukemia and will be taking “a pill on a daily basis” to control the cancer.
"This situation will not impact my ability to live my life as I otherwise would, and will not affect my ability to perform at my highest level for the Toronto Maple Leafs," said Blake, who signed a five-year contract with Toronto in the offseason. "I'm looking forward to my first season with the Leafs and helping our club compete for the Stanley Cup."
Blake appeared in 82 games for the New York Islanders last season and set career highs in goals (40) and points (69). He finished 10th in the National Hockey League in goals and went to his first All-Star game.
He broke into the NHL in the 1998-99 season with the Los Angeles Kings. After two years in Los Angeles he played six seasons for the Islanders.
