Will Butcher NHL Debut with the New Jersey Devils?

Will Butcher makes his NHL debut with the New Jersey Devils against the New York Islanders.

Butcher’s Early Life and Career

Will Butcher was born on January 6, 1995, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. He began playing hockey at a young age and continued to play throughout his youth. Butcher played college hockey for the University of Denver and was named the 2017 Hobey Baker Award winner. He signed a professional contract with the New Jersey Devils in August 2017 and made his NHL debut with the team in October 2017.

Butcher’s junior hockey career

Will Butcher was born on January 6, 1995, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Butcher is the son of Len and Dawn Butcher. He has two older sisters, Leah and Nicole. Growing up, Butcher played hockey and baseball. In high school, he played for the Sun Prairie Cardinals hockey team.

Butcher played junior hockey for the US National Team Development Program from 2009 to 2011. He then played college hockey for the University of Denver from 2011 to 2017. In his senior year, he was named the Hobey Baker Award winner as the best player in NCAA Division I hockey.

Butcher was drafted in the 5th round, 123rd overall, by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He did not sign with the Avalanche and became a free agent on August 15, 2017.

Butcher’s college hockey career

Born in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Butcher grew up playing hockey in his home state. He played college hockey for the University of Denver from 2012 to 2017. During his senior year, Butcher was named the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Defensive Player of the Year and a First Team All-American.

After graduating from college, Butcher became a free agent and was sought after by several NHL teams. He ultimately chose to sign with the New Jersey Devils, making his NHL debut in the 2017-18 season.

Butcher’s NHL Debut

Will Butcher will make his NHL debut with the New Jersey Devils after signing a two-year entry-level contract with the team. The 22-year-old defenseman from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin was a fifth-round draft pick of the Colorado Avalanche in 2013. He played four seasons at the University of Denver, winning the 2017 NCAA championship.

Butcher’s first NHL game

Will Butcher made his NHL debut on October 7, 2017, with the New Jersey Devils. He became the first player in Devils’ history to record an assist in his NHL debut. Butcher also set a franchise record for most assists (two) by a defenseman in his NHL debut.

Butcher’s first NHL goal

On October 7, 2017, in his NHL debut, Butcher assisted on a goal by Devils’ forward Taylor Hall in a 5-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche.

Butcher’s Future with the Devils

Will Butcher will make his NHL debut with the New Jersey Devils after signing a two-year, entry-level contract with the team. The 22-year-old defenseman from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin was a fifth-round draft pick of the Colorado Avalanche in 2013. He spent four seasons at the University of Denver, where he was named the 2017 Hobey Baker Award winner as the top player in college hockey.

Butcher’s potential impact on the Devils

As a defenseman, Butcher is known for his skating and playmaking abilities. He had an outstanding college career, winning the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in NCAA hockey in 2017. Butcher is expected to add offense to the Devils’ blue line and could be a key player for them in the future.

Butcher’s long-term NHL prospects

As a highly-touted college free agent, Will Butcher chose to sign with the New Jersey Devils in 2017.

Butcher had a strong rookie season, scoring five goals and adding 22 assists in 61 games. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy, which is awarded to the league’s top rookie.

Butcher’s play earned him a spot on the Devils’ top defensive pairing, where he formed an effective partnership with veteran Mirco Mueller. The duo helped the Devils to a surprise playoff berth in 2018, as the team upset the heavily-favoured Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round.

While Butcher’s play tailed off slightly in 2019-20, he still managed to put up eight goals and 28 assists in 71 games.

Looking ahead, Butcher should continue to be a key player for the Devils. His offensive instincts and puck-moving ability make him a valuable asset on the power play, and he should continue to see significant minutes at even strength. Given his strong two-way play, Butcher has the potential to develop into one of the NHL’s top all-around defencemen.