Devils avoid arbitration with Will Butcher, sign him to three-year extension

Another restricted free agent is off the market.

The New Jersey Devils confirmed Tuesday that they avoided arbitration with defenceman Will Butcher by signing him to a three-year, $11.2 million contract extension with an average annual value of $3.73 million.

Butcher was initially selected 123rd overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, but opted to play for the University of Denver instead from 2013 to 2017. The 2016/17 Hobey Baker Award became a free agent, and chose to sign with the Devils in August 2017.

The 24-year old has been with the Devils organization for two seasons, posting a combined nine goals and 65 assists over a span of 159 games.