Report: Red Wings pursuing top NCAA free agent

The 22-year-old defenseman has instant star power and could transform the team’s blue line next season.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Red Wings pursuing top NCAA free agent
Keystone Press

Former NCAA star and pending unrestricted free-agent Will Butcher will have his pick of several NHL teams when he hits the market on August 15th, but the Detroit Red Wings may provide the biggest opportunity for the youngster.

The 2017 Hobey Baker Award winner and former University of Denver star capped off an impressive NCAA career with seven goals and 37 points in 43 games during his senior year. The former 5th round pick of the Colorado Avalanche in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft failed to sign an entry-level deal with the Avs and will test the market as this summer’s hottest college free-agent. Remember the Jimmy Vesey hype last year? This year it’s all about Butcher.

The son of former NHLer Garth Butcher is much more fleet of foot than his bruising father. He would be a natural fit on the Wings blue line in 2017-18 and could help the team in its transition to a more younger defense corps. 

For a little taste of his talent, check out some clips from this Hobey Baker Finalist highlight reel:


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