Though he’s not able to actually sign a contract anywhere until tomorrow, Will Butcher has already set up some visits. Mike Chambers of the Denver Post reports that the DU Pioneers’ captain will meet with the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils and Vegas Golden Knights among others tomorrow after becoming a free agent. Butcher has been previously linked—however tenuously—to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks.
Butcher has said he won’t rule out Colorado in his free agency, but after being snubbed by the team (and specifically then head coach Patrick Roy) in 2015, still seems like a long shot to end up in Denver. Instead, two of his three teams are obvious choices if he wants to contribute right away. Buffalo and New Jersey both have their eyes set on the playoffs and need huge defensive upgrades if they’re going to get there, and Vegas is looking for core players to build their team around. The 22-year old Butcher will be signing a two-year entry-level deal wherever he signs, though bonus structures can vary.
He and he agent have been clear that immediate opportunity is not the only thing Butcher is looking for, and a winning organization will also be considered, but playing big minutes in your first two years is the only way to get a big raise after your entry-level deal expires. In New Jersey and Buffalo he’d be given that opportunity.
Even though Vegas is the new kid on the block and is probably after any premium free agent, there doesn’t seem to be a great fit there. The Golden Knights already have seven or eight NHL-level left-handed defensemen in their system, and if they can’t move any they’re already in for a roster crunch at the start of the year. Butcher will be waiver exempt when he enters the league and would be the easy choice for them to move to the minors.
He’d be a really good add for Vegas. I could see him saying he’d go there, but not actually signing a contract until they make a couple trades. Vegas should really just be using 2 of their retain salary slots to move 2 of these guys before camp. Maybe push a 3rd without retaining. But if they retain on 1 year deals it’s inconsequential because they’d still have flexibility to retain another salary later in the year.
Yeah I do think Vegas makes more sense than this post suggests. Even if he had to start the year in the minors, by the time the Trade Deadline roles around they should have plenty of room for him (if not sooner). Also Vegas can offer him a more prominent role both this season and especially next, which could help increase his value in future negotiations.
I can see him signing to play in Buffalo. Would be given a chance to be a top four defencemen and at worst he would be in the top six. Could play between 15 to 18 minutes a game.
Let’s go Buffalo!! About time the Sabres gain a player in this process after losing both Vesey and Peterson within the past year. Not to mention, how could this kid not see the value behind playing for Housley and a GM (Botterill) who came from the college ranks himself and showed strong support of collegiate prospects during his time with the Penguins?! Maybe Charlie won’t be the only Butcher in Buffalo for long? Peeps from WNY know what I’m talking about… best Beef on Weck!!