Colorado Avalanche Prospect Watch: NCAA/Europe
D Will Butcher (University of Denver, NCAA)
Draft: 2013, 123rd overall pick
Age: 20
HF Talent Evaluation: 7.0 C
2014-2015 stats:
| GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 3 | 13 | 16 | 8 | 5 |
2014-2015 recap:
Will Butcher had a decent second season at the University of Denver, as he appeared in 36 of their 42 games. The two-way defenceman added a lot of bulk and know weighs in at about 200 pounds, which helped his defensive game. Butcher represented the United States at the World Juniors. He still needs to get more responsive in the defensive end and get a little stronger before he can turn pro. The potential is certainly there.
2015-2016 outlook:
Butcher will need another season at the college level. He needs to mature and has plenty of defensive talent ahead of him. Once Bigras and Geertsen get called up to Colorado, Butcher should get a chance with their AHL-affiliate.