Will Butcher's Past Successes Guiding Current Endeavors

Newly acquired Penguins defenseman Will Butcher is a proven champion.

He entered the spotlight at just 15 years of age in the USHL, when he won the Clark Cup as a member of the Dubuque Fighting Saints in 2011. The following season, he appeared in the IIHF U18 World Championship, winning a gold medal with Team USA.

He achieved numerous accomplishments during his collegiate career at the University of Denver, most notably the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top NCAA men's ice hockey player, and an NCAA Championship, as he captained the Pioneers to their eighth title in program history in 2017.

After signing a one-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh, Butcher is bringing that winning mentality to his new organization - with an even bigger goal in mind.

"One of the reasons why I chose the Penguins is because they have a great history with making the playoffs, making those runs," Butcher said. "I'm trying to find a place where I can aid in winning a Cup for a team. That's the biggest challenge and goal coming into every season."

Following an impressive 2016-17 senior season, where Butcher trailed only former Harvard defenseman and current Rangers star Adam Fox in scoring among defensemen, Butcher immediately made his impact felt at the NHL level.

After originally being drafted by Colorado in the fifth round (123rd overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft, Butcher signed as a free agent with New Jersey and debuted on Oct. 7, 2017 against the Avalanche. He led all rookie blueliners with 44 points (5G-39A) during the 2017-18 season, earning himself a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team.

Butcher spent five total seasons in the NHL with the Devils and Buffalo Sabres from 2017-22, before playing last year in the American Hockey League with the Texas Stars, posting six goals and 43 points in 65 games. Coming into Pittsburgh, the 28-year-old is drawing from his pro experience, feeling that his skillset and confidence should help take his game to the next level.

"I've gotten some years under my belt, and I think last year I took on more of a leadership role - that definitely helped my career and myself moving forward into the next years to come," Butcher said. "In prior years, just learning how to play the game - where to put a stick in the lane when you're a D-man, to positional stuff, to talking with older guys about if you have a gap or not as a D-man.

"The minute stuff of the game is what I've picked up over the years, and I've tried to implement it every offseason and season going forward, just trying to propel my career and keep getting better as a defenseman in the National Hockey League."

Butcher describes himself as a puck-moving defenseman aiding in zone breakouts. He'll often join the rush and create opportunities on offense, making him a constant threat on the back end. He utilizes his passing ability and vision as a dependable quarterback option on the power play.

After meeting with Penguins President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas and Head Coach Mike Sullivan, the blueliner expects to continue bringing that style of play to the Penguins.

"My role is to help aid in certain situations," Butcher said. "Whether that be power play, coming in as a puck-mover; using my hockey sense to play fast to their style of play; and trying to use my experience to help fill any holes that might need to be addressed any given night."

The Penguins tend to face their share of adversity from an injury standpoint, and they lost over 216 man-games last season. Adding a do-it-all, depth defenseman like Butcher should help the organization find success across all levels in 2023-24.

''I'm trying to come in and be a Swiss Army knife, and whatever they need me to do, I'm here to do it," Butcher said. "I'm just trying to help this team move along and win a Cup at the end of the day."

The Sun Prairie, Wisconsin native is excited for a new chapter in Pennsylvania, as Butcher said he and his wife are looking forward to raising their two boys in a family-friendly city with lots of opportunities. An avid outdoorsman, Butcher is excited to further explore his passion in this state, particularly when it comes to musky fishing.

In the meantime, the defenseman is focused on recovering from a major injury sustained at the end of the 2022-23 season to be as healthy as possible when training camp begins in September.

"That's where my mindset is at right now, so I can give 100% at camp," Butcher said. "We're working through it, and that's kind of where my main focus is going forward here, to be ready to go."