The Worcester Railers have never had a hat trick in a regular-season game, and never had a player with National Hockey League experience. That could change this year if they wind up with Bobby Butler on the roster.
If it does happen, the Butler signing would be a unique one, even by minor league standards since he would essentially have 1½ full-time jobs. Butler recently was named director of hockey operations for the Worcester Junior Railers, and that is a year-round, full-time job.
Playing in the ECHL is full-time work from the start of training camp in September through the end of the playoffs, which could be as late as June. The only thing that would make it work in this case is that Butler will be based in Worcester either way.
For a couple of reasons, having Butler sign an AHL two-way contract with Bridgeport would work best for the Railers. They would retain his ECHL rights, and his salary would only be a $525 hit on the weekly salary cap.