The New Jersey Devils and Butcher agreed on a two-year, entry-level contract on Aug. 27, 2017.

The Devils were one of four teams (Vegas Golden Knights, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings) the left-handed defenseman was considering after spending four seasons at the University of Denver. He became a free agent after not signing with the Colorado Avalanche, who selected him in the fifth round (No. 123) of the 2013 NHL Draft.

Butcher has high hockey IQ, knowing where to go with or without the puck to get himself in position for the best possible way to transition. He can quarterback the power play and is reliable in key moments of the game.

Butcher became the first player in franchise history (Devils, Colorado Rockies and Kansas City Scouts) to score three points in his NHL debut, all assists in a 4-1 win against the Colorado Avalanche on Oct. 7, 2017. He was named the game's First Star in his debut, played 12:45 on 19 shifts, and scored all three points on the power play.

Butcher also set an NHL record by becoming the first rookie defenseman to have at least eight assists in his first five games in the League after getting two assists in a 3-2 win at the New York Rangers on Oct. 14, 2017.

He scored his first NHL goal in a 5-2 loss at the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 18, 2017.

Butcher won the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in NCAA Division I men's hockey in 2016-17. He had 37 points (seven goals, 30 assists) in 43 games and was captain for Denver, which won the NCAA championship.

NOTES & TRANSACTIONS

• NCHC First All-Star Team (2016, 2017)
• NCAA West Second All-American Team (2016)
• NCAA West First All-American Team (2017)
• Hobey Baker Memorial Award (Top U.S. Collegiate Player) (2017)
• Signed as a free agent by New Jersey, August 27, 2017.