Will Butcher Signs with New Jersey Devils

2017 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner Will Butcher has signed an NHL contract with the New Jersey Devils.

Butcher was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2013 NHL Draft, but Butcher’s relationship with the Avs soured last summer when the club informed him that they had no intention of offering him an NHL contract.

Butcher had an amazing senior season, however, captaining the Pioneers to a national championship while also winning college hockey’s top individual honor. The Avalanche did offer Butcher a contract after his senior season, but Butcher opted to become a free agent in mid-August of this year.

After weighing multiple options, Butcher settled on the Devils. His contract was a two-year deal worth $925,000 per season. New Jersey likely offers Butcher one of the fastest routes to the NHL.

An undersized defenseman, Butcher uses his vision and playmaking ability to be an effective defender that can contribute offensively.