Will Butcher signs 2-year deal with Devils

The New Jersey Devils have signed University of Denver free-agent defenseman Will Butcher to a two-year, entry-level deal, the team announced Sunday.

A fifth-round pick by the Colorado Avalanche in 2013, Butcher spent the past four seasons with the University of Denver, wrapping up the 2016-17 campaign with 37 points in 43 games.

The season ended on a high note for Butcher, as he captained Denver to its first national championship since 2005. He also won the Hobey Baker Award, presented to the NCAA's top player.

Butcher's signing comes three days after former Devils draft pick Alexander Kerfoot signed a deal with the Avalanche after he failed to come to terms with New Jersey.