WILL BUTCHER - Defenseman - 24 - $3.73MM Cap Hit - UFA in 2022-2023
LAST UPDATED 8/20/19
As a former Hobey Baker winner, Will Butcher came into the league with some decently high expectations. He exceeded every single one of those expectations in his rookie season as he posted 44 points and got some down-ballot Calder votes. That season wasn't without its flaws, though, chief among them being that a decent chunk of Butcher's scoring came right at the start of the season and he lost gas as the full 82 game schedule roared on, and that Butcher played in a very sheltered offensive role that didn't expose him to many of the defensive challenges most NHL defenseman face. Year two saw a scoring decrease, but in return Butcher managed to grow as an all-around player. Whereas Butcher as a rookie would only be good as an exceptional puck moving defenseman who could join the rush, establish the offense in the offensive zone, and then facilitate passes and an offensive structure, Butcher could now also provide decent defensive value thanks to his intelligence and zone exit abilities. He's still undersized and sometimes looks lost in his own end, but he's starting to be able to handle not being sheltered nearly as much. He's a very special puck mover who can always make something happen from the back end, but he needs a partner who's able to cover the mistakes generated by that aggressive playstyle. As of right now, Will Butcher is a growing #4/5 defenseman with legitimate #3 upside if he can show some more defensive ability or get back to the 40 point range and play with a good defensive partner.
As a former Hobey Baker winner, Will Butcher came into the league with some decently high expectations. He exceeded every single one of those expectations in his rookie season as he posted 44 points and got some down-ballot Calder votes. That season wasn't without its flaws, though, chief among them being that a decent chunk of Butcher's scoring came right at the start of the season and he lost gas as the full 82 game schedule roared on, and that Butcher played in a very sheltered offensive role that didn't expose him to many of the defensive challenges most NHL defenseman face. Year two saw a scoring decrease, but in return Butcher managed to grow as an all-around player. Whereas Butcher as a rookie would only be good as an exceptional puck moving defenseman who could join the rush, establish the offense in the offensive zone, and then facilitate passes and an offensive structure, Butcher could now also provide decent defensive value thanks to his intelligence and zone exit abilities. He's still undersized and sometimes looks lost in his own end, but he's starting to be able to handle not being sheltered nearly as much. He's a very special puck mover who can always make something happen from the back end, but he needs a partner who's able to cover the mistakes generated by that aggressive playstyle. As of right now, Will Butcher is a growing #4/5 defenseman with legitimate #3 upside if he can show some more defensive ability or get back to the 40 point range and play with a good defensive partner.
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