Showing posts with label Butler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Butler. Show all posts
News & Notes From Around PioNation
DU alums Matt Carle, Chris Butler and Paul Stastny helped the USA earn a Bronze Medal at the World Championships. Stastny amassed a team-high 15 points (seven goals). The Americans went 7-3, including Sunday’s 3-2 overtime/shootout victory over Finland for the bronze medal. It was Team USA’s first medal since 2004 and just third overall since 1963.
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Three donors have donated $40 million to the University of Denver, with $27 million coming from former chancellor Daniel Ritchie. The donations will allow DU to add an engineering and computer science building.
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Former University of Denver basketball player David Adkins [aka Sinbad] filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy last month, owing $10,991,715 in debts, including $8.3 million in taxes.
Two DU Alums Named To Team USA
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| (above) Chris Butler has been named to the US National Team |
University of Denver alums Chris Butler (Calgary Flames) and Paul Stastny (Colorado Avalanche) have been named to the U.S. Men's National Team roster for the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Men's World Championship it was announced today by USA Hockey. The tournament is scheduled for May 4-20, 2012, in Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden.
NBC
Sports is scheduled to televise all Team USA games in the 2012 IIHF
Men's World Championship.
DU Alumni NHL Roundup
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| (above) Matt Donovan stretching during warmups before his first NHL game |
Tyler Bozak [Toronto] - 2 goals and an assist as Toronto lost to Buffalo 6-5.
Joe Colborne [Toronto] - Just recalled to the Maple Leafs recorded an assist.
Matt Donovan [NY Islanders] - Played over 21 minutes in first NHL game, but the Islanders lost to New Jersey 3-1.
Matt Carle [Philadelphia] - Played over 16 minutes and was -2 as the Flyers lost to the arch rival NY Rangers.
Jason Zucker [Minnesota] - Played 11 minutes in his fourth NHL game, but did not record a point.
Chris Butler [Calgary] & Paul Statsny [Colorado] - Teams did not play
DU Alum Chris Butler Looks To Settle In Calgary
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| (above) DU Alum Chris Butler was traded in the offseason from Buffalo to Calgary |
From: Toronto Sun
by Eric Francis
Settling in nicely as the new guy, DU Alum Chris Butler admits no one in Calgary has recognized him yet.
“I like that,” smiled the 24-year-old Flames defenceman.
Well, he’d better not get used to it.
Four months after becoming the answer to the question “Who’d they trade Reggie for again?”, Butler is about to try filling Robyn Regehr’s sizeable Tacks.
Not only will the former Buffalo Sabre do so by starting the season playing alongside Regehr’s old defensive partner, Jay Bouwmeester, he’ll also be counted on to play large chunks of each game as No. 28 did here for 11 years.
It’s the perfect stage for the country music junkie from the Show Me State (Missouri) to do just that.
“It’s a pretty good fit so far,” Butler said of Calgary.
“I always wanted to come to the Calgary Stampede. My girlfriend rides horses, so I’ve been around that stuff. She’s at Oklahoma State in vet school — she’s the smarter one of the two of us.”
Although significantly smaller and less physical, the self-deprecating newbie represents an upgrade offensively on a blueline Brent Sutter hopes will jump up more often this year.
Sutter continues to use Bouwmeester up front on the odd powerplay to get him thinking more offensively. The coach must have been thrilled, then, to see Butler in tight on the Islanders net late Tuesday as part of a nifty give-and-go with Roman Horak that ended with Butler sliding the puck just past the post and wide on a great scoring chance he created.
“I like to think of myself as a two-way guy who is keen on jumping up on the rush and helping offensively,” said Butler.
“I take pride in playing strong defensively.”
Just two seasons ago, the fourth-round pick out of the University of Denver emerged as a playmaker in Buffalo, racking up 21 points in 59 games despite a high ankle sprain that disrupted his season.
Last year, after starting out as the Sabres’ seventh defenceman, he played a more defensive role, teaming up with towering Tyler Myers down the stretch to shut down the opposition’s top line.
Here, he’ll be called upon to do a little of everything, which suits him just fine. And as long as he remains alongside Big Bouw, it won’t take long for the American rearguard to make a name for himself and garner plenty of attention on and off the ice.
“A guy that played hard and played the right way and contributed at both ends,” said the 6-foot-2, 205 pounder when asked how he’d like to be known by Flames faithful by season’s end.
“Initially, I was surprised, but once I had a chance to talk to (GM) Jay (Feaster) and Brent, I realized it would be a good fit. For me, it’s a chance to start new and show what type of player I can be. I couldn’t ask for a better partner. He moves quickly, efficiently and is a tremendous skater — I’ve always admired how he plays.”
Funny, as Sutter and several other Flames executives have said the same thing about Butler, including one who went as far as to say he thought Butler was already a better player than Regehr – a bold, if not irresponsible, statement given Regehr’s tenure here.
“That’s a tremendous compliment,” said Butler, who switched from No. 28 early in camp to No. 44 out of respect for Regehr.
“I have a ton of respect for Reggie. I’ve never met him, but from how the guys talk about him … He was here for, what, 11 years? Guys don’t last that long for one team without a reason.”
Asked pointedly how the team would be able to replace Regehr, Sutter was curt.
“Robyn is a good defenceman, but don’t underrate where Butler is at,” said Sutter.
“Just because he was in the other conference, you guys didn’t see him much. He was playing with Myers against the others teams’ top line from Christmas on, so he’s a pretty mobile guy who can also jump up and create offence. Robyn’s moved on, and we’ve moved on as well.”
Indeed, it sounds like the new kid’s gonna be alright.
Connor Chatham Commits To University Of Denver
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| Already wearing DU swag |
Chatham will play the next two seasons for the U.S. National Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In May he was drafted in the 5th Round of the OHL Draft by the Plymouth Whalers, but it appears that he will now take the college route.
NHL Central Scouting provided the following analysis.
“Chatham is a big bodied right winger who has missed a majority of this season with a shoulder injury, surgery and subsequent rehabilitation. Chatham possesses a very good and attractive collection of physical tools. He has legitimate size, he is an above average skater and he possesses a real good stick, especially his ability to finish. He has a very smooth and effective stride, and when he is moving his feet he shows some real high end speed and quickness. He uses his speed to skate up and down his wing, working himself into the open ice while supporting the play.”Other St. Louis area players that have played at DU in recent seasons include Paul Stastny, Chris Butler, David Makowski & Jarrod Mermis. Scott Mayfield will be a Freshman this season and Jarrod's younger brother Dakota Mermis will arrive in 2012.
2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-18)
D Joey LaLeggia (Penticton Vees, BCHL)
F Larkin Jacobson (Janesville Jets, NAHL)
D-F Wade Bennett (Wichita Falls, NAHL)
F Matt Tabrum (Omaha, USHL)
D Josiah Didier (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Daniel Doremus (Sioux Falls, USHL)
G Juho Olkinuora (Sioux Falls, USHL)
F Ty Loney (Youngstown, USHL)
2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL)
D Dakota Mermis (U.S. Under-18)
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL)
F Garrett Allen (Unknown)
D Nolan Zajac (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
2013 Recruiting Class
F Brad Hawkinson (Colorado Thunderbirds U-18)
F Landon Smith (Colorado Thunderbirds U-18)
F Connor Chatham (U.S. Under-17)
2014 Recruiting Class
F Jared Fiegl (Colorado Rampage, U-16)
DU Alum Chris Butler Inks New NHL Contract
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| (above) DU alum Chris Butler signed a two year $2.5 million contract on Friday |
The Calgary Flames have signed defenceman Chris Butler, whom the club recently acquired from the Buffalo Sabres.
Butler, 24, signed a two-year deal with an average salary of US$1.25 million. The stay-at-home defenceman would have entered restricted free agency Friday had he not signed with Calgary.
The Flames dealt defenceman and former assistant captain Robyn Regehr, forward Ales Kotalik and their second pick in 2012 to Buffalo for Butler and forward Paul Byron at the NHL entry draft.
Butler, a six-foot-one, 200-pound native of St. Louis, had five goals and 31 assists in his last three seasons with Buffalo. The Sabres drafted him in the fourth round (96th) in the 2005 draft.
"This enables him to focus solely on preparing for the upcoming season and not have to worry about his contract status," Flames general manager Jay Feaster said in a statement.
There was urgency for the Flames to get Butler under contract Friday because the Dallas Stars signed 27-year-old defenceman Adam Pardy, an unrestricted free agent who spent his last three seasons with the Flames. Pardy agreed to a two-year, $4-million contract with the Stars, which was a significant raise on the $700,000 he made last season.
DU Alum Chris Butler Traded To Calgary
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| (above) DU alum Chris Butler was traded on the eve of the NHL Draft to Calgary |
by Vicki Hall
The newest member of the Calgary Flames defensive corps credits his mother for passing down the inner fire necessary for a career in the National Hockey League.
"I would say I probably get my competitive side from my mom a little more than I do my dad," Chris Butler said Saturday via cellphone from his off-season home in St. Louis. "She doesn't mess around."
The Boston Bruins actually selected Butler's dad Doug in the fifth round of the 1977 NHL entry draft. He toiled for two seasons in the American Hockey League before calling it a career.
Butler's mother Martha played field hockey at St. Louis University.
"You carry around a big wooden stick in field hockey," Butler said with a chuckle. "I think she knew how to use it pretty well."
Butler, 24, chooses to look at the positive side of Saturday's trade from Buffalo to Calgary. On Saturday morning, the Sabres finalized a deal that saw Butler and centre Paul Byron, 22, head west for defenceman Robyn Regehr, forward Ales Kotalik and a secondround draft pick in 2012.
"I just had a chance to talk to coach (Brent) Sutter," Butler explained. "He said they're really trying to get a group of defencemen there who are mobile and can contribute offensively but at the same time be responsible defensively.
"I like to hear that. I think that's the way I look at my game."
Butler broke into the NHL in 2008-09, registering two goals and six points in 47 games. The following season, the six-foot-one, 203-pounder suited up for 59 games and scored 21 points. One problem: he went minus-15 in the process.
"If you didn't read or know, he fell off a cliff in '09-10," said agent Allain Roy. "He never got going until late last year."
During the stretch run, Butler indeed logged steady minutes paired with Tyler Myers.
"Things turned around and were really headed in the right direction for me," Butler said. "So it was a good mindset for me coming into the off-season."
Buffalo GM Darcy Regier praised the developing rearguard.
"He's a terrific person," Regier told reporters in St. Paul. "A good player. Unfortunately, these are decisions you have to make . . . because of what you think are the needs. And Calgary was insistent on him being part of the deal. Chris Butler is an outstanding young man with, I think, tremendous upside in the league. Very good puckmover, very good skater. And I think he'll have a very good career."
News & Notes From Around PioNation.
Mark it on your calender. The University of Denver hockey team will be playing in Boston early next season and it will be an epic road trip you won't want to miss. On October 14th DU will play Boston College. The following night they will face off against Boston University in Agganis Arena.
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Anthony Maiani scored a goal in his first professional game for the ECHL Wheeling Nailers. It was an important goal because the team has to finalize its playoff roster today, so Maiani only had one opportunity to show the team what he could do. Wheeling defeated the Toledo Walleye 4-3 and clinched a playoff berth.
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Mandi Schwartz, the Yale hockey player and sister of Colorado College players Jaden and Rylan, passed away Sunday in Regina, Saskatchewan. She was 23. Schwartz learned in December 2008 that she had acute myeloid leukemia. Best wishes to her family, fans and friends.
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Colorado Avalanche center and DU Alum Paul Stastny won't play again this season because of a stress fracture in his leg discovered in a weekend examination.
Alumni Pro Camp Underway At DU
(above) Five former collegiate All-Americans were among those on the ice yesterday at DUThe first annual Denver Hockey Alumni Pro Camp started yesterday in Joy Burns Ice Arena. The camp attracted 17 skaters and two goaltenders during day one.
Former Pioneer All-Americans Paul Stastny, Chris Butler, Marc Cheverie, Gabe Gauthier and Rhett Rakhshani were joined on the ice by Peter Mannino, Joe Colborne, Geoff Paukovich, J.D. Corbin, J.P. Testwuide, Ryan Dingle, Tom May, Matt Glasser and Brandon Vossberg. Also participating during the first day of pro camp were current Colorado Avalanche players David Koci, Kyle Quincey and Cody McLeod, and former Toronto Maple Leaf Garnet Exelby and former Av Ben Guite. [read rest of article]
Former Pioneer All-Americans Paul Stastny, Chris Butler, Marc Cheverie, Gabe Gauthier and Rhett Rakhshani were joined on the ice by Peter Mannino, Joe Colborne, Geoff Paukovich, J.D. Corbin, J.P. Testwuide, Ryan Dingle, Tom May, Matt Glasser and Brandon Vossberg. Also participating during the first day of pro camp were current Colorado Avalanche players David Koci, Kyle Quincey and Cody McLeod, and former Toronto Maple Leaf Garnet Exelby and former Av Ben Guite. [read rest of article]
News & Notes From Around PioNation
(above) DU Alum Brandon Vossberg will begin his professional career in AlaskaThe Portland Pirates (AHL) announced today that the Buffalo Sabres have re-signed Head Coach and DU Alum Kevin Dineen for the 2010-11 American Hockey League season. Dineen has been a candidate for several NHL head coaching vacancies in recent seasons.
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Recent DU graduate Brandon Vossberg has signed a contract with the Alaska Aces (ECHL) for the 2010-11 season.----------
Defenseman & DU Alum Brett Skinner signed a one-year deal with Amur Khabarovsk of the Russian super league.
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The first annual University of Denver Hockey Alumni Pro Camp will be held Aug. 16-20 at Joy Burns Ice Arena. The pro camp will allow current professional DU hockey alums the opportunity to train together in preparation for their upcoming seasons this fall. DU hockey alumni expected to participate in this year's inaugural camp are Peter Mannino, Chris Butler, Rhett Rakhshani, Joe Colborne, Marc Cheverie, Geoff Paukovich, Ryan Dingle, J.D. Corbin, Tom May and Matt Glasser. Cody McLeod of the Colorado Avalanche is also expected to participate in the camp.Injury Continues To Keep Butler Out Of Lineup
(above) Former DU defenseman Chris Butler has had an ankle injury that has kept him out of the Buffalo Sabres lineup since Dec. 3rdFrom: St. Louis Today.com
by Jeremy Rutherford
There are many stories of hockey players from St. Louis moving to Canada to advance their careers. There are probably fewer examples of Canadian players transplanting to St. Louis to do the same, but they do exist.
And while Doug Butler, who moved here from Souris, Manitoba in 1975, never played a game in the NHL, his story is a success. Proof of that will come tonight when his son, Chris Butler, visits Scottrade Center as a member of the Buffalo Sabres.
Chris Butler, now 23, has been out of the Buffalo lineup since Dec. 3 with an ankle injury, but even if it's not on the ice against the Blues tonight, the family will be celebrate a fate that has "far exceeded" its expectations (read rest of article).
And while Doug Butler, who moved here from Souris, Manitoba in 1975, never played a game in the NHL, his story is a success. Proof of that will come tonight when his son, Chris Butler, visits Scottrade Center as a member of the Buffalo Sabres.
Chris Butler, now 23, has been out of the Buffalo lineup since Dec. 3 with an ankle injury, but even if it's not on the ice against the Blues tonight, the family will be celebrate a fate that has "far exceeded" its expectations (read rest of article).
Defenseman Scott Mayfield Commits To DU
(left) DU received a commitment from blue-chip defenseman Scott Mayfield (#2)According to Western College Hockey Blog the University of Denver has received a commitment from defenseman Scott Mayfield (6'3" 191). He is 16 years-old and will be eligible for the NHL Draft in 2011 and is slotted to arrive at DU in 2011-12.
Mayfield will play this season with the Youngstown Phantoms, the newest expansion team in the USHL. The Phantoms defected from the NAHL after last season.
Mayfield grew up playing for the St. Louis AAA Blues, the program that has produced 2010 DU recruit David Makowski, former DU stars and current NHLers Chris Butler & Paul Stastny.
Scott Mayfield is described as an extremely skilled, big defenseman who will almost certainly be drafted in 2011.
Mayfield has been selected to play for Team USA at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament in Slovakia August 11-15. The 2009 Ivan Hlinka Memorial will feature teams from Canada, Czech Republic Finland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.
Mayfield will play this season with the Youngstown Phantoms, the newest expansion team in the USHL. The Phantoms defected from the NAHL after last season.
Mayfield grew up playing for the St. Louis AAA Blues, the program that has produced 2010 DU recruit David Makowski, former DU stars and current NHLers Chris Butler & Paul Stastny.
Scott Mayfield is described as an extremely skilled, big defenseman who will almost certainly be drafted in 2011.
Mayfield has been selected to play for Team USA at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament in Slovakia August 11-15. The 2009 Ivan Hlinka Memorial will feature teams from Canada, Czech Republic Finland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.
2010 Recruiting Class
F Jason Zucker (U.S. Under-17)
D David Makowski (Green Bay, USHL)
F Nick Shore (U.S. Under-17)
2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (St. Louis AAA Blues)
DU Alum Chris Butler Ready For Upcoming Season
(above) DU Alumnus Chris Butler was a surprise addition to the Buffalo Sabres roster last seasonFrom: Buffalo News
by John Vogl
At first glance, it's a little odd to see Chris Butler at the Buffalo Sabres' development camp. The defenseman more than held his own against the world's best players in the NHL last season. It's seems a little unfair for him to spend five days surrounded by 17- and 18-year-olds skating their first laps with professionals.
But the ice isn't where Butler plans to make his best strides this week. Sure, the 22-year-old will absorb the positioning tips and footwork drills like the rest of the prospects. Butler's top learning moments, however, will come off the ice, away from the hundreds of folks who trekked to Niagara University's Dwyer Arena on Tuesday.
Butler plans to be a film critic this week. He's going to spend his days dissecting videos of the NHL's top offensive defensemen, a category he hopes to find himself in someday.
"I can still learn a lot," Butler said. "We've got all my games logged on the computer, and I can watch those. But we get an opportunity to watch a lot of other teams' videos, and I can pick or choose what some of the other teams do, kind of dissect what makes them successful.
"I'm going to watch some of the offensive defensemen, maybe a Mike Green or Niklas Kronwall, watch how they get in the play, how they position themselves on the rush, kind of the holes that they jump into, how they get open, either for an opportunity to shoot or an opportunity to make a pass.
"I think a way I can get better is watching that video. You don't get that stuff when you just turn on a TV back home."
Butler was an unexpected revelation in his first pro season. He was called up to the Sabres midway through the year, and they found it impossible to send him back to the minors. He played 47 games, recording two goals, four points and a plus-11 rating, best among the team's blue-liners.
But while everyone was happy with him, Butler expects more of himself. He was a potent defenseman and power-play cog in college at Denver, and he wants that role in the NHL.
The chance is there. The Sabres lost defenseman Jaroslav Spacek to Montreal in free agency. Spacek was a special teams quarterback and the best point-producer on the blue line. Someone needs to replace his output, and General Manager Darcy Regier has already hinted Butler is the guy to do it.
"Maybe it's an opportunity, maybe I'll get a shot. I don't know," Butler said. "It's tough when you lose a guy like that. Everybody knows how great of a guy he was and how sorely he'll be missed, but we'll see him [six] times next year, and we'll get our shot at him.
"I'd like to become more of an offensive threat. I'd like to learn how to pick and choose my spots better as far as getting up in the rush."
Something that will help Butler's development is a few more votes of confidence from the Sabres' decision makers. He may not look at home surrounded by a bunch of kids this week, but he certainly didn't feel at home in the Buffalo dressing room last season.
"It's tough," he said. "I lived the second half of the season not knowing whether I'd wake up in the morning and they were going to put me on a flight back to Portland [of the American Hockey League]. It's kind of an uneasy feeling every day, but at the same time it kind of pushes you, as well.
"Maybe if I know that I have a secure spot, maybe they expect more of that out of you."
Butler expects the coaching staff to chat with the players at the end of the week. Odds are good they'll say they need him to fill an important role this winter, one that will make him feel at home, in the dressing room and on the score sheet.
But the ice isn't where Butler plans to make his best strides this week. Sure, the 22-year-old will absorb the positioning tips and footwork drills like the rest of the prospects. Butler's top learning moments, however, will come off the ice, away from the hundreds of folks who trekked to Niagara University's Dwyer Arena on Tuesday.
Butler plans to be a film critic this week. He's going to spend his days dissecting videos of the NHL's top offensive defensemen, a category he hopes to find himself in someday.
"I can still learn a lot," Butler said. "We've got all my games logged on the computer, and I can watch those. But we get an opportunity to watch a lot of other teams' videos, and I can pick or choose what some of the other teams do, kind of dissect what makes them successful.
"I'm going to watch some of the offensive defensemen, maybe a Mike Green or Niklas Kronwall, watch how they get in the play, how they position themselves on the rush, kind of the holes that they jump into, how they get open, either for an opportunity to shoot or an opportunity to make a pass.
"I think a way I can get better is watching that video. You don't get that stuff when you just turn on a TV back home."
Butler was an unexpected revelation in his first pro season. He was called up to the Sabres midway through the year, and they found it impossible to send him back to the minors. He played 47 games, recording two goals, four points and a plus-11 rating, best among the team's blue-liners.
But while everyone was happy with him, Butler expects more of himself. He was a potent defenseman and power-play cog in college at Denver, and he wants that role in the NHL.
The chance is there. The Sabres lost defenseman Jaroslav Spacek to Montreal in free agency. Spacek was a special teams quarterback and the best point-producer on the blue line. Someone needs to replace his output, and General Manager Darcy Regier has already hinted Butler is the guy to do it.
"Maybe it's an opportunity, maybe I'll get a shot. I don't know," Butler said. "It's tough when you lose a guy like that. Everybody knows how great of a guy he was and how sorely he'll be missed, but we'll see him [six] times next year, and we'll get our shot at him.
"I'd like to become more of an offensive threat. I'd like to learn how to pick and choose my spots better as far as getting up in the rush."
Something that will help Butler's development is a few more votes of confidence from the Sabres' decision makers. He may not look at home surrounded by a bunch of kids this week, but he certainly didn't feel at home in the Buffalo dressing room last season.
"It's tough," he said. "I lived the second half of the season not knowing whether I'd wake up in the morning and they were going to put me on a flight back to Portland [of the American Hockey League]. It's kind of an uneasy feeling every day, but at the same time it kind of pushes you, as well.
"Maybe if I know that I have a secure spot, maybe they expect more of that out of you."
Butler expects the coaching staff to chat with the players at the end of the week. Odds are good they'll say they need him to fill an important role this winter, one that will make him feel at home, in the dressing room and on the score sheet.
DU Alum Butler Playing Like NHL Veteran
(above) DU Alum Chris Butler was the biggest surprise for the Buffalo Sabres this seasonFrom: Buffalo News
John Vogl
It was clear to anyone watching that Chris Butler was staying in Buffalo. Andrew Peters saw it. So in a gesture of kindness and teammate kinship, Peters plucked the Sabres rookie from his lonely days in a hotel and invited Butler to live with him and his wife.
It didn't take long for Butler to go from house guest to family member. Butler is a smart, thoughtful guy whose etiquette floored his hosts. Whenever Erin Peters would get up from the kitchen table or prepare to leave a room, Butler would rise from his seat in a show of chivalry and respect.
The respect immediately flowed both ways.
"He's as mature as they get for a 22-year-old," Andrew Peters said. "He's a professional in every sense of the word. He treated my wife with the most respect, and that went a long way. That's what I mean by gentleman. He's a really, really good kid. He's like a young brother."
The housing arrangement worked, but it's unlikely to continue next season. Butler may as well start shopping for his own place because he's not going anywhere. The defenseman figures to be a Sabres regular for years.
In a season littered with disappointments, Butler was the Sabres' biggest success story. He was called up in December when injuries thinned the blue line. He played too well to go back to Portland. He finished with 47 games and was second on the Sabres with a plus-11 rating.
"Chris Butler probably surprised all of us with his play," coach Lindy Ruff said. "He put together basically a solid half-season for us. That is a bright spot."
The Sabres sent Butler to Portland this week so he can take part in the American Hockey League playoffs. It's a chance to get a feel for postseason intensity since he is a first-year pro.
But he certainly doesn't play or act like a first-year guy. Peters mentioned Butler's maturity, and it is evident on the ice and in the dressing room. His chats are full of insight, whether he's talking about the overall negativity of mainstream media or what it's like to be on the ice with Teppo Numminen and Craig Rivet.
"If you look at my defense partners from this year, Craig Rivet just played his 800th game, Teppo has played over 1,000 games and is a potential Hall of Famer," Butler said. "The amount of things that I learned from them, the little things from just being around them, made me that much of a better player."
The even better news for Sabres fans is Butler feels he's nowhere close to his potential. He had two goals and four assists, numbers he's planning to boost.
"As you adjust and as you grow more and more confident and comfortable at this level, I think I can start to evolve into the kind of player that I want to be," Butler said. "I'm not even close to where I think I can be at this level. I think I can be more of a two-way defenseman. I think I can do a better job of picking spots and getting up in the rush, do a better job of blocking shots. The goal this summer is to get a lot stronger so I can handle guys down low a lot better.
"I don't know if it's my mind-set that has to change, but I think some games I kept things too simple. I would kind of make a pass and let other guys do the work, whereas I feel I can get up in the rush, I can make plays."
The Sabres are eager to see it. Ruff was impressed by Butler's ability to shake off bad games — he had back-to-back minus showings just once — and sees the University of Denver product growing into a top-pair defenseman.
"His mental makeup is very good for the game, so that overall was a good year for him," Ruff said. "He had a game here or there that he didn't like, but he was able to bounce back and put some games together that were very good for us, too. He's got the mobility for it. He's got the head for it, and he's got good work ethic."
He's also got the drive. He wants to ingrain himself with the Blue and Gold, not just be a guest in someone's home.
"I want to be here for all 82 games next year and make more of a difference instead of just kind of being a role player per se," Butler said. "I kind of look at it as what can I do better and how can I make us a more successful team next year?"
It didn't take long for Butler to go from house guest to family member. Butler is a smart, thoughtful guy whose etiquette floored his hosts. Whenever Erin Peters would get up from the kitchen table or prepare to leave a room, Butler would rise from his seat in a show of chivalry and respect.
The respect immediately flowed both ways.
"He's as mature as they get for a 22-year-old," Andrew Peters said. "He's a professional in every sense of the word. He treated my wife with the most respect, and that went a long way. That's what I mean by gentleman. He's a really, really good kid. He's like a young brother."
The housing arrangement worked, but it's unlikely to continue next season. Butler may as well start shopping for his own place because he's not going anywhere. The defenseman figures to be a Sabres regular for years.
In a season littered with disappointments, Butler was the Sabres' biggest success story. He was called up in December when injuries thinned the blue line. He played too well to go back to Portland. He finished with 47 games and was second on the Sabres with a plus-11 rating.
"Chris Butler probably surprised all of us with his play," coach Lindy Ruff said. "He put together basically a solid half-season for us. That is a bright spot."
The Sabres sent Butler to Portland this week so he can take part in the American Hockey League playoffs. It's a chance to get a feel for postseason intensity since he is a first-year pro.
But he certainly doesn't play or act like a first-year guy. Peters mentioned Butler's maturity, and it is evident on the ice and in the dressing room. His chats are full of insight, whether he's talking about the overall negativity of mainstream media or what it's like to be on the ice with Teppo Numminen and Craig Rivet.
"If you look at my defense partners from this year, Craig Rivet just played his 800th game, Teppo has played over 1,000 games and is a potential Hall of Famer," Butler said. "The amount of things that I learned from them, the little things from just being around them, made me that much of a better player."
The even better news for Sabres fans is Butler feels he's nowhere close to his potential. He had two goals and four assists, numbers he's planning to boost.
"As you adjust and as you grow more and more confident and comfortable at this level, I think I can start to evolve into the kind of player that I want to be," Butler said. "I'm not even close to where I think I can be at this level. I think I can be more of a two-way defenseman. I think I can do a better job of picking spots and getting up in the rush, do a better job of blocking shots. The goal this summer is to get a lot stronger so I can handle guys down low a lot better.
"I don't know if it's my mind-set that has to change, but I think some games I kept things too simple. I would kind of make a pass and let other guys do the work, whereas I feel I can get up in the rush, I can make plays."
The Sabres are eager to see it. Ruff was impressed by Butler's ability to shake off bad games — he had back-to-back minus showings just once — and sees the University of Denver product growing into a top-pair defenseman.
"His mental makeup is very good for the game, so that overall was a good year for him," Ruff said. "He had a game here or there that he didn't like, but he was able to bounce back and put some games together that were very good for us, too. He's got the mobility for it. He's got the head for it, and he's got good work ethic."
He's also got the drive. He wants to ingrain himself with the Blue and Gold, not just be a guest in someone's home.
"I want to be here for all 82 games next year and make more of a difference instead of just kind of being a role player per se," Butler said. "I kind of look at it as what can I do better and how can I make us a more successful team next year?"
Chris Butler Gets Called Up To NHL
(above) DU Alum Chris Butler earlier this seasonFrom: Buffalo News
by John Vogl
University of Denver Alum Chris Butler knew something was up. Portland coach Kevin Dineen pulled him aside Thursday afternoon with a little advice: Keep your phone on. The rookie defenseman had an idea that meant the Buffalo Sabres would soon be calling. Sure enough, they did.
The Sabres summoned their top defensive prospect from the minors, and the 22-year-old University of Denver product is expected to make his NHL debut tonight when the Los Angeles Kings visit HSBC Arena.
“I’m very excited, to say the least,” Butler said by phone while awaiting his connection in New York City’s JFK airport.
Butler didn’t want to jinx anything after Dineen’s words of advice, but he did call his parents. His mother cried at the news her boy could be fulfilling his dream, and Butler’s father was just as excited.
Fans should get their chance to see what the excitement is about regarding Butler. He has two goals and 10 assists in 27 games in Portland, an exceptional start for someone’s first professional season. It was time for the initial NHL test.
“It’s what you dream of,” Butler said. “For first-year guys, you’re not sure how you fit into the team’s plans, so you just play your best.
“Anytime you get the call, you’ve got to take advantage.”
The Sabres also recalled Matt Ellis for tonight’s game. The center played seven games in Buffalo at the start of the year before being sent to the Pirates. He may be needed after center Paul Gaustad, who was struck in the face with a puck during practice Monday, missed Thursday’s workout because of lingering effects from the incident.
To clear room on the roster, the Sabres placed left wing Nathan Gerbe on injured reserve. He is expected to miss two weeks with an upper-body injury.
The Sabres summoned their top defensive prospect from the minors, and the 22-year-old University of Denver product is expected to make his NHL debut tonight when the Los Angeles Kings visit HSBC Arena.
“I’m very excited, to say the least,” Butler said by phone while awaiting his connection in New York City’s JFK airport.
Butler didn’t want to jinx anything after Dineen’s words of advice, but he did call his parents. His mother cried at the news her boy could be fulfilling his dream, and Butler’s father was just as excited.
Fans should get their chance to see what the excitement is about regarding Butler. He has two goals and 10 assists in 27 games in Portland, an exceptional start for someone’s first professional season. It was time for the initial NHL test.
“It’s what you dream of,” Butler said. “For first-year guys, you’re not sure how you fit into the team’s plans, so you just play your best.
“Anytime you get the call, you’ve got to take advantage.”
The Sabres also recalled Matt Ellis for tonight’s game. The center played seven games in Buffalo at the start of the year before being sent to the Pirates. He may be needed after center Paul Gaustad, who was struck in the face with a puck during practice Monday, missed Thursday’s workout because of lingering effects from the incident.
To clear room on the roster, the Sabres placed left wing Nathan Gerbe on injured reserve. He is expected to miss two weeks with an upper-body injury.
Hockey's Future Profiles DU Alum Chris Butler
(above) DU Alum Chris Butler plays for the AHL Portland PiratesOver the past year, the Buffalo Sabres have had a pipeline of quality defensive players move up from the AHL and immediately contribute. The hallmark of these defensemen, like Andrej Sekera and Mike Weber, has been intelligent, responsible play in their zone. The next player in the line of succession is Portland Pirates defenseman Chris Butler.
Butler is widely considered one of Buffalo’s elite prospects. Hockey’s Future rates him as the seventh best player in the Sabres organization. Based on the fact that those graded above him have already played significant minutes in the NHL, high expectations are being placed on the 22-year-old. [read rest of article]
Butler is widely considered one of Buffalo’s elite prospects. Hockey’s Future rates him as the seventh best player in the Sabres organization. Based on the fact that those graded above him have already played significant minutes in the NHL, high expectations are being placed on the 22-year-old. [read rest of article]
DU Hockey Alumni News & Notes
(above) DU Alum Geoff Paukovich's first AHL goal [click on video to view]
Brett Skinner was called up by the NY Islanders on an emergency basis as they have several injuries to their defensemen. Skinner has 8 points in his last 5 games for Bridgeport. He played in his first NHL game last night in the Rangers/Islanders tilt.
Mannino Shutout
Peter Mannino recorded his first professional shutout with Bridgeport in only his 3rd appearance. Peter could be the #1 goalie in Bridgeport as #1 starter Yann Danis was recalled by the Islanders as Rick DiPietro got hurt in the Isle's last game. Danis could dress as the back-up in tonight's Islander game if DiPietro can't play. Peter's goals against average leads the AHL at 0.65, that is right 0.65, as he has given up 2 goals in 3 games.
Butler Goal
Chris Butler scored his first professional goal last week in Portland's game against Bridgeport, a game in which Mannino did not play.
Paukovich Goal
Geoff Paukovich scored his first AHL goal the other night in a 4-2 Springfield loss (see video above).
Fisher Awaiting Start
Glen Fisher has been serving as the backup to Devan Dubnyk. Fisher hasn't started any of Springfield's seven games, but he did get two periods of action in an Oct. 17 loss at Providence.
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