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Will Butcher Proves Free Agents Will Come To New Jersey Devils

By Nick Villano

DENVER, CO - APRIL 11: Denver Pioneers defenseman Will Butcher (4) addresses the fans during the Denver Pioneers men's hockey team celebration on April 11, 2017 in Denver, Colorado at Magness Arena. The Pioneers are celebrating their 8th Championship after a win over the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs 3-2 in Chicago. (Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 11: Denver Pioneers defenseman Will Butcher (4) addresses the fans during the Denver Pioneers men's hockey team celebration on April 11, 2017 in Denver, Colorado at Magness Arena. The Pioneers are celebrating their 8th Championship after a win over the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs 3-2 in Chicago. (Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /
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The New Jersey Devils made a major announcement, telling fans the team was successful in its pursuit of college free agent defenseman Will Butcher. This signing shows the Devils can indeed make a big free agent signing.

Will Butcher is now a member of the New Jersey Devils. After more than a week of speculation, some even guaranteeing he was signing with the Buffalo Sabres, he’s now a part of Jersey’s team.

There was some negativity when it came to free agents the Devils were going after. For years, the team had issues getting anyone of worth to sign with the team when other teams were offering similar contracts. Just this season, Kevin Shattenkirk spurned the Devils for the rival New York Rangers. The same thing happened with Jimmy Vesey just last year. It’s been happening for years.

That’s why many Devils fans thought the mutual interest between Butcher and the Devils was too good to be true. He seemed like the kind of player that would talk to the Devils, but end up signing with the Los Angeles Kings.

This shows that this is a different era for New Jersey Devils hockey. Yes, this is just one signing, but it shows that young players want to come here. There is an attitude change. The team is one of the youngest in the league, and thanks to Nico Hischier, that youth will likely turn into future wins.

General Manager Ray Shero says he’s “extremely excited” to have Butcher join the Devils family. He also says this shows what the Devils want to do, and why fans should trust the process.

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Obviously, opportunity is a major reason why Butcher chose the Devils. After a season with a Hobey Baker Award and a National Championship, Butcher felt he was ready for the NHL. The Devils defense (or lack thereof) needs a player to step up. With so many issues, Butcher could play major minutes by mid-season.

Despite the reasons for his signing, Butcher being a Devil can help the team now and in the future. He can help show other free agents the Devils are a desirable destination. This may be the start of a new era, an era where free agents decide to play on this side of the Hudson River.

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