The Wumpus
bottomless pit supervisor
Tied for 3rd in the league for defenseman scoring, and 4th in the league for assists (all skaters).
I think his play with the puck in the defensive end has been good right from the start, it's just his coverage and such without it that needs work. Getting a bit quicker could help him a lot as well, as it allows him to recover from any mistakes easier.He has been cleaning up his game defensively a little more each game. I've been pleasantly surprised to see it.
We know that he has good vision and offensive ability but his defense is what is going to make or break his career. The progress in a relatively short time has been encouraging in my opinion.
There really wasn't enough hype around this signing. First defenseman in NHL history to record 8 points through his first 5 games. We might have our very own Torey Krug here.
I was absolutely pro-Shattenkirk and remain convinced he would have been a good signing. But, if it were either/or with Butcher, at least through the first five games I'm fine with Butcher. We'll see where we are in four years.I'll admit I was pro-Shatty in the offseason, but boy am I glad things worked out the way they did.
I was absolutely pro-Shattenkirk and remain convinced he would have been a good signing. But, if it were either/or with Butcher, at least through the first five games I'm fine with Butcher. We'll see where we are in four years.
I assume Shattenkirk will do better over the next couple of years, but given our timeline, Butcher seems like a better fit.
Lots of excitement for Bratt and Hischier, where's the love for Butcher? I mean, all he's done is have the best 16 game start of any rookie defenceman in team history.
So, um..
NHL.com - Stats
Will Butcher has the highest points/60 of any rookie defenceman (who played at least 10 games) in the recorded history of the NHL.
I like Butcher, he's one of the only defenseman we have that can break the puck out under pressure. It's just frustrating seeing him get beat to loose pucks. There's no reason for him to be as slow as he is either, if he gets some good work this summer with a power skating coach, he can be up to speed, but he probably won't be able to get off the third pairing until then.So, um..
NHL.com - Stats
Yeah. Will Butcher has the highest points/60 of any rookie defenceman (who played at least 10 games) in the recorded history of the NHL.
Sounds like a good kid.He’s good. His season has been good. His point total will be good. For a kid his defense is good. He’s good.