Newark, NJ - The New Jersey Devils today have agreed to terms with defenseman Will Butcher on a two-year, entry-level contract with an average annual salary of $925,000. The announcement was made by Devils' Executive Vice President/General Manager Ray Shero.

Butcher, 22, spent the past four seasons, 2013-2017, with University of Denver (NCHC). In 2016-17, he led his club as team captain to win the NCAA National Championship as the no. 1 ranked team in the nation. Butcher became the second Pioneer in the school's history to win the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top player. He was also nominated for the award after the 2015-16 season, where he finished third in scoring among all NCAA defensemen with nine goals and 23 assists. During his final collegiate season, he ranked second in points among defensemen with seven goals and 30 assists for 37 points in 43 contests. In 2016-17, Butcher was also honored with several awards including, NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team, NCHC Best Offensive Defenseman, NCHC First All-Star Team, NCHC Player of the Year, USA Hockey's College Player of the Year, NCAA (West) First Team All-American.