All eyes were on Nico Hischier as the No. 1 draft pick skated on NHL ice for the first time on Saturday afternoon, but it was another rookie who stole the show in the New Jersey Devils‘ 4-1 season-opening win against the Colorado Avalanche.
Defenceman Will Butcher registered three assists, setting a franchise record in the process as the first player to tally three points in his pro debut.
Congratulations to @WillButcher4, who has become the first player in #NJDevils history to record three points in his @NHL debut! pic.twitter.com/swpmhv9aza
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) October 7, 2017
All three helpers came on the power play—and against the team that drafted him back in 2013. (Salt, meet wound.)
What a difference four years can make! #COLvsNJD pic.twitter.com/bCYHROuk78
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) October 7, 2017
Butcher’s name appeared in several off-season headlines as the hockey world waited to find out where he’d sign after opting to hit free agency instead of signing an entry-level deal with the Avalanche. The NCAA rearguard inked his two-year, $1.85-million deal with the Devils on Aug. 27—a big signing for a team stockpiling young talent.
The 2017 Hobey Baker Award winner had 30 assists in 43 games last season while leading the University of Denver to a national championship in April.
The Devils’ next game will be Monday against the Buffalo Sabres.
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