New Jersey Devils: Will Butcher Is Quietly Dominating The Preseason

The New Jersey Devils have a lot of hype around some new players but Will Butcher has quietly gone about his business and dominated in the preseason so far.

The New Jersey Devils have looked pretty good through three games this preseason. It is still just the preseason, but it is better to look good than it is to look bad. Some of the players getting the most hype have been providing the biggest production. Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Nikita Gusev are all expected to play major roles in the success of this team and so far they have delivered big time.

Then, there are guys who are really good players, but they are overshadowed by the stars of the team. One of those players is Will Butcher. He had a bit of a sophomore slump in 2018-19 as he had four goals and 26 assists for 30 points and a -17 rating compared to his 44 points and a +1 in his rookie year. The fact that they were very injured and simply not very good as a team last year could have a lot to do with Butcher’s regression.

So far in the preseason, he looks poised to take another step in his development. In two preseason games against the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers, he has one goal and two assists and is a +2.

He is an offensive defenseman that can make a difference from the back end. In the game against the Rangers, he had four shot contributions at 5v5 with one shot attempt and three shot assists. He can make passes that lead to quality scoring chances for players around him.

Butcher is one of five defensemen who appears to be locked to be in the opening night lineup. With all of the depth the Devils appear to have now at all positions, Butcher should be able to have a really nice year. His power play time may be reduced due to the acquisition of P.K. Subban, but that doesn’t mean he won’t get any time or generate at even strength as well. Butcher is an awesome player and Devils fans should be excited for what he can bring this season.