On Will Butcher, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Vancouver Canucks …
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Teams aren’t able to talk to Butcher’s camp until the 16th, with the Avs holding his rights until the 15th. Butcher’s agent did say this about the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“If they happen to call,” Bartlett said, “I’m sure we’d answer the phone.”
Bartlett is familiar with the Penguins as he represents Bryan Rust, Scott Wilson and Josh Archibald.
“Pittsburgh has a good development model,” Bartlett said. “They’re also back-to-back Stanley Cup champs. Those things are always interesting for free agents.”
Bartlett added that he had noticed Penguins scouts at some of Butcher’s games.
Bartlett also said that playing in the NHL immediately isn’t a necessity.
“That’s not what we’re looking to hear – that you can step right in,” Bartlett said. “Will’s a very grounded and bright kid. He’s been around the game a long time. His dad’s a coach. They really understand that they’re trying to build a career here. It’s not who can get him there the fastest. It’s really who’s got a plan for him to be an NHL player for a long time if he puts in the work.”
Luke Fox of Sportsnet: Will Butcher informed the Colorado Avalanche this week that he won’t be signing and will be testing free agency after August 15th. He will be getting plenty of interest from teams. The Chicago Blackhawks could be one potential fit, and Butcher’s agent didn’t rule out the Vancouver Canucks.
“If Jim Benning calls on the 15th, we would be very interested to see what he has to say.” Bartlett told Rick Dhaliwal of Vancouver’s News 1130. “We are looking for opportunity and there is certainly opportunity in Vancouver, we will see how they stack up.
“He’s in a unique position, so he has the opportunity to take advantage of it,” Bartlett said. “Those things don’t come around too often.”