Will Butcher

Will Butcher and the New Jersey Devils avoided arbitration as they came to terms on a three-year contract worth $3.73 million.

Fantasy Impact

After an excellent rookie season that produced 44 points (23 on the power-play), Butcher experienced the dreaded sophomore slump. He averaged over three more minutes of ice-time, and virtually the same amount of power-play time, yet he posted just 30 points (14 on the power-play) in 2018-19. New Jersey's power-play efficiency as a team dropped 3.7%, so it was to be expected that Butcher's overall production would take a hit as a result. The Devils addressed this regression with the addition of P.K. Subban, so it looks like Butcher will be squeezed off the first power-play unit due to his presence. The Devils have turned themselves into a more threatening offensive team overall, which bodes well for Butcher 5-on-5, but he will likely find himself demoted to PP2.

Will Butcher picked up two assists in Saturday's loss against the Anaheim Ducks.

Fantasy Impact

Butcher is tied for second in points with 17 as a New Jersey defensemen. Even though he hasn't put up the points he wanted so far, he still leads the team in power play minutes and gets plenty of scoring chances.

Will Butcher had a two point night in the Devils 6-3 win over the Kings on Thursday night. Butcher started his scoring with his 8th assist of the year on Kyle Palmieri’s first period power play goal. Butcher got his second goal of the year in the second period.

Fantasy Impact

Will Butcher has had a slight regression in production from his 44 point rookie season. Butcher has 2 goal and 8 assists through 26 games. Butcher is on the first power play unit with Kyle Palmieri and Taylor Hall so he should get scoring opportunities. Butcher should be owned in most fantasy formats.

Butcher helped Miles Wood in the second period of Tuesday's 3-1 victory.

Fantasy Impact

With 27 assists in 49 games, Butcher is a good choice in fantasy if he is still cheap.

Butcher helped Miles Wood in the second period of the Devils' 3-2 defeat by the Bruins.

Fantasy Impact

With 28 points in 47 games, Butcher is probably cheap enough to be worth picking on most fantasy sites.