New Jersey Devils: Will Butcher Shines in NHL Debut
2017 Hobey Baker Trophy winner Will Butcher looked impressive in his NHL debut with the New Jersey Devils.
After numerous plane rides, hopping city to city, and sitting through numerous interviews, Will Butcher knew which NHL team he wanted to begin his pro career with. On August 27, the former Denver Pioneer put ink to paper and signed a two-year entry-level deal with the New Jersey Devils. Butcher saw a team with opportunity present on a weak blue line, a desirable situation for a young defenseman trying to make a name for himself right out the gate.
Will Butcher didn’t look the slightest bit out of place in his NHL debut Saturday. The rookie may have only logged12:45 of ice time, but 3:23 was on the man advantage. Needless to say, he used it quite well.
Quarterbacking a quick Devils first power play unit, Butcher amassed an impressive three assists en route to leading New Jersey to a 4-1 season-opening win against the Colorado Avalanche. What most people saw was a young player completely immersed in his element.
The first assist was the product of efficient skating by Butcher. He initiated the puck movement on one side of the ice, recollecting a low pass on the other side. Butcher then fired a wicked wrister on goal that was tipped by Adam Henrique in traffic. The other two assists showcased his poise under pressure walking the blue line.
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He not only brought energy to the Prudential Center, he was the spark in the Devils offense. Butcher showed that he has the capacity to be an impact player. A player that can make or break the outcome of a game.
Perhaps fate that Butcher would make his league debut against the Colorado Avalanche, the team that originally drafted him in the fifth round of the 2013 NHL Draft. Upon completion of his junior season in college, Butcher sought to sign with the Avalanche and begin his pro career.
Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic and then head coach Patrick Roy didn’t express much interest in offering their young prospect a contract. Butcher took it with a grain of salt. He went back to school, and lead his Denver squad to their eighth national title. Butcher was then awarded the Hobey Baker award, distinguishing him as the best player in the NCAA.
Joe Sakic made a mistake not signing his fifth-round pick. Butcher saw it as an opportunity, and he made the best of it. He used his free agency status and made a calculated decision for his future.
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It remains to be seen what Butcher’s long-term future holds in the NHL. However, if you are Devils general manager Ray Shero, you are quite excited by this first eye test. New Jersey may have potentially walked away with a cornerstone on defense this summer.