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Former DU Pioneer Will Butcher is taking his talents to the swamp

After turning down a contract with the Avs, the NCAA free agent has chosen to sign with the New Jersey Devils

By Tom Hunter
2017 NCAA Div I Men's Ice Hockey Championships Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

It looks like the Will Butcher saga is finally over as the New Jersey Devils have announced that they have signed the 2017 Hobey Baker Award winner to a two-year entry-level contract.

Drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 5th round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Butcher became an unrestricted free agent earlier this month after deciding to walk away from the team that drafted him.

Conventional wisdom suggests that Butcher chose the Devils because he sees an easy path to the NHL. As one of the worst teams in the league, the undersized puck mover will likely be given every opportunity to make the opening night lineup with the Devils.

The 22-year old is a left-shooting puck mover that finished his NCAA career with 37 points in 43 games as a senior for the University of Denver.

Will Butcher Career Statistics

Team League GP G A TP PIM +/-
Team League GP G A TP PIM +/-
2009-2010 Madison Capitols 16U T1EHL U16 38 12 21 33 19
2010-2011 Madison Capitols 18U T1EHL U18 34 10 20 30 2
Dubuque Fighting Saints USHL 2 0 2 2 0
2011-2012 USNTDP Juniors USHL 31 2 8 10 4
U.S. National U17 Team USDP 46 8 23 31 8
U.S. National U18 Team USDP 10 0 2 2 2
USA U17 WHC-17 5 0 6 6 2
USA U18 WJC-18 6 0 0 0 2
2012-2013 USNTDP Juniors USHL 26 3 10 13 2
U.S. National U18 Team USDP 67 11 26 37 8
USA U18 WJC-18 7 2 2 4 2
2013-2014 Univ. of Denver NCAA 38 8 8 16 8
USA U20 WJC-20 5 2 3 5 2
2014-2015 Univ. of Denver NCAA 38 4 14 18 8
USA U20 WJC-20 5 0 1 1 0
2015-2016 Univ. of Denver NCAA 39 9 23 32 19
2016-2017 Univ. of Denver