That didn't take long.
Just minutes after becoming an unrestricted free agent the Buffalo Sabres reached out to Will Butcher's camp, expressing their interest in signing the 22-year-old defenseman. According to Butcher's agent, the two sides are hoping to engage in further discussions in the near future (possibly as soon as Wednesday).
#Sabres have reached out to Will Butcher and are hoping to have further discussions sometime in the next few days @WKBW
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) August 16, 2017
The 2017 Hobey Baker Award winner was drafted in the fifth round of the 2013 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. Since Butcher never signed with Colorado, he now has the right under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement to sign with any team.
In four seasons with the University of Denver, Butcher posted an impressive 103 points in 158 games. In April Butcher helped lead the Pioneers to the school's eighth national championship in program history.
Former @DU_Hockey star Will Butcher to reject #Avs, visit with Devils, Sabres, Golden Knights https://t.co/ZwtRrACoxX
by @MikeChambers pic.twitter.com/AVZ08AjrvX— College Sports (@DPCollegeSports) August 15, 2017
According to The Denver Post, Butcher is also expected to meet with the Vegas Golden Knights and New Jersey Devils.
Source has confirmed that the Penguins -- pretty much as expected -- will inquire about possibly landing defenseman Will Butcher.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) August 16, 2017
