Will Butcher Traded to the Buffalo Sabres Wednesday
Will Butcher did not figure much into the New Jersey Devils' plans this upcoming season and was moved on Wednesday to the Buffalo Sabres. New Jersey also gave Buffalo a 2022 fifth-round draft pick for future considerations. Butcher has one year left and $3.733 million on his current deal. The defenseman's production had steadily slipped since his breakout rookie campaign where he totaled 44 points -- including 23 points on the man advantage. This season, the left defenseman had just 11 points in 23 contests. Butcher often struggled to get into the lineup, had Covid, and just did not have the foot speed to play in New Jersey's defensive system. A fresh start in Buffalo might be good for his fantasy fortunes. Expect Butcher to be on the power play in some capacity.
Will Butcher Delivers Three Assists In Fierce Comeback Effort
New Jersey Devils defenseman Will Butcher had three assists as the team almost pulled off the biggest comeback in league history on Tuesday, coming from six goals down in the third period to lose only 7-6 to the Penguins. The team matched the franchise record for most goals in a single period. Butcher, who had only three points for the whole year, played his first game since April 15. The former University of Denver standout has seen his production drop with every year he has spent in the NHL, and head coach Lindy Ruff hasn't had much trust in him this season as Butcher recorded only his 12th appearance of the season. Butcher has been given a chance to prove his worth with P.K. Subban (COVID protocol) and Ty Smith (upper body) out of action.
New Jersey Devils defenseman Will Butcher was placed on the league's COVID-19 list on Thursday. Butcher was the only New Jersey player put on the list. He has played in just eight games for the Devils, posting one goal and two helpers. The former Denver University defenseman has been a healthy scratch frequently and is rostered by just one percent of fantasy teams in Yahoo leagues. You can obviously continue to ignore him for fantasy purposes.