Will Butcher: Hobey Baker Winner And Impending Free Agent
2017 Hobey Baker winner Will Butcher has already announced he will await free agency on Aug. 15. Here is everything you need to know about the impending free agent.
Will Butcher is a recent graduate of the University of Denver and the 2017 Hobey Baker winner. The 22-year-old was drafted by the Colorado Avalache in 2013. However, he has declined to sign with the team and has opted for free agency.
Butcher is taking a similar path as 2016’s Hobey Baker winner, Jimmy Vesey, who pursued free agency and signed with the New York Rangers. The defenseman will pursue that same opportunity and will be able to sign with any team that he wishes.
Butcher and his agent have publicly confirmed that the defenseman will hit free agency to pursue his own team. There has been a lot of speculation regarding his landing spot, though one cannot be certain.
In his senior season at the University of Denver, Butcher posted 37 points in 42 games which earned him the Hobey Baker. His Denver team also took home the NCAA championship after defeating Minnesota-Duluth.
The Will Butcher Sweepstakes
Butcher is a solid defenseman and many teams will seek his talent. The Hobey Baker winner provides excellent two-way play and can benefit any team. He knows how to move the puck, make plays and defend the net all in the same shift.
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Butcher has excelled in NCAA hockey and has played for USA Hockey in the World Junior Championship and in U18. He has proven his skill as a two-way defenseman and his skills will attract the interest of many teams.
Many teams are in the market for defensemen therefore a rookie d-man who knows how to contribute offensively will be highly sought after. The Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins are just a few interested.
Butcher’s agent has also revealed that Butcher will not seek immediate NHL entrance which will open his team options even further. It won’t be a surprise that the NHL will become a frenzy when the defenseman hits the market.
Let the Sweepstakes Begin
It is hard to believe that Butcher won’t wear an NHL sweater this season. This is a defenseman that many teams will look to sign for immediate play.
Butcher is a 22 year old defenseman who offers incredible two-way play and raw potential that will only continue to be perfected. The right team will develop Butcher into a top defenseman and it won’t be difficult to do.
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The national champion is just a few days away from hitting free agency. There is no predicting where the defenseman will land but the sweepstakes is about to begin.