The Pittsburgh Penguins have an opportunity to land another high profile college unrestricted free agent. This past spring they landed Zach Aston-Reese who was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Trophy as college hockey's best player. Now it sounds like the actual Hobey Baker winner might have interest in the Penguins
The Butcher is trying to cut ties with the lowly Avalanche who apparently did not want to sign him during his junior year. Instead, Butcher went on to win the Hobey Baker and will use his unique opportunity to flee the floundering franchise that drafted him.
The notable comment from Brian Bartlett who is Butcher's agent
"If they happen to call," Bartlett said, "I’m sure we’d answer the phone."
I translate that as "Make a competitive offer and there's a good chance we'll accept".
You might rightfully ask where is their room for Butcher on the Penguins blue line? It sounds like there doesn't necessarily have to be room at the NHL level right now
Immediate playing time is not absolutely necessary, Bartlett said. And that's good, because it would probably take Butcher a year or two to crack the Penguins NHL roster if he somehow wound up signing here.
"That’s not what we’re looking to hear – that you can step right in," Bartlett said. "Will’s a very grounded and bright kid. He’s been around the game a long time. His dad’s a coach. They really understand that they’re trying to build a career here. It’s not who can get him there the fastest. It’s really who’s got a plan for him to be an NHL player for a long time if he puts in the work."
Pittsburgh currently employs one of the more famous college UFA defenseman who snubbed their original draft team. Justin Schultz was thrown into the deep end by the Edmonton Oilers and ultimately needed a rescue buoy from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Here is how Schultz and Butcher compare in their college careers courtesy of Hockeydb.
Schultz had more offensively dynamic numbers in his college career, but he didn't win an MVP award.
If Pittsburgh takes a run at Will Butcher and he is amenable to developing in WB/S this could be another nice coup by Pittsburgh's front office on the college hockey front.
Nothing can happen until August 16th. The Avalanche technically have his rights until the 15th.
Thanks for reading!