Breaking: NCAA star Will Butcher has finally signed with an NHL team

Twenty-two year old defenseman and NCAA star Will Butcher has decided to start his NHL career with the New Jersey Devils.

Per NHL.com, Butcher signed a two-year entry-level deal with an average annual salary of $925,000.

The star blueliner finished up his NCAA career with the University of Denver, posting 7 goals and 37 points in 43 games. He was the team's captain in the 2016/17 season and has 28 goals and 103 points across 158 college games. The 5'11, 190-pound defender won the Hobey Baker Award in 2017, awarded to the top National Collegiate Athletic Association men's ice hockey player.

Although he was drafted in the fifth-round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, Butcher decided to forgo his prospect contract with the Avs in favor of playing the market this summer.

Touted as one of the best defensive prospects available, the New Jersey Devils have landed a major asset by signing Butcher.