The Chicago Blackhawks will reportedly one of many NHL teams to pursue defenseman Will Butcher when he becomes a free agent later this month, according to a report by The Athletic’s Scott Powers.
Butcher, who won the Hockey Baker award as college hockey’s best player last season, opted not to sign with the Colorado Avalanche, who drafted him, before the Aug. 15 deadline. Butcher capped off a four-year career at Denver with a national title at the United Center in Chicago.
**Blackhawks expected to be among suitors for Butcher (The Athletic)
**Tallon will always have a ‘special place for Chicago' (The Athletic)
**Prospect Jokiharju suffers knee injury at World Junior Summer Showcase (SCH)
**Fixing NHL’s national broadcast schedule (SCH)
**Kane, Hinostroza playing in charity game to support Special Olympics (SCH)
CENTRAL DIVISION
**Duchene on trade rumors: “Whatever’s going to happen is gonna happen” (Denver Post)
**Granlund, Wild agree to 3-year, $17.