Blackhawks, Red Wings Not Pursuing Will Butcher

Craig Custance of The Athletic filled us in on some of the teams that haven’t called on NCAA free agent and reigning Hobey Baker award winner Will Butcher, saying that Detroit, Chicago, Toronto and San Jose all haven’t contacted him. Custance adds Columbus to the list of teams who have reached out, which also includes Buffalo, New Jersey and Vegas. Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post adds that the Flyers also are not pursuing him.

Butcher is expected to start visiting clubs that have reached out in the next few days, and should make a decision before the end of the month. The University of Denver defenseman is coming off a season in which he scored 37 points but still comes with plenty of concerns over his size and ability to transition to the NHL level.

With several teams inching closer to the contract cap, handing out an entry-level contract for a 22-year old fifth-round pick isn’t possible for everyone. That said, his high hockey IQ and growth in the college ranks has enticed at least a few teams that have little to lose. Columbus is an interesting addition, as the Blue Jackets already have a huge pipeline of young defenders. There doesn’t seem to be a clear path to the NHL for Butcher there, though perhaps their evaluation process has led them to believe he can make an immediate impact.

Unlike Jimmy Vesey last year, who nearly the entire league was in agreement with regards to his ability to play at the NHL level (if in a slightly reduced role from the one he was used to at Harvard), there is no guarantee that Butcher ever makes it. While he’s been clear that he is willing to start his professional career in the AHL, it would be foolish to sign with a team without a clear NHL role in the future. Even if his career doesn’t pan out, the opportunity he’s been given right now as one of the top college free agents is one he’ll take his time with and make the best decision for his future.