The New Jersey Devils have landed college hockey's top player by agreeing to sign defenseman Will Butcher to a two-year, $1.85 million contract.
The agreement announced by the Devils on Sunday comes about two weeks after the University of Denver player became a free agent by turning down an opportunity to sign with the Colorado Avalanche before a deadline passed Aug. 15. The Avalanche selected Butcher in the fifth round of the 2013 draft.
Butcher received the maximum entry-level salary allowed under NHL rules. A person with direct knowledge of the contract details told The Associated Press that Baker can also make an additional $850,000 in annual bonuses, which is also the maximum for rookie deals.