Butcher believes his game is NHL-ready

Will Butcher says he can contribute to the New Jersey Devils right away.

"I think my game is NHL-ready," he told reporters Monday. "I like to play an up-tempo game."

Devils head coach John Hynes apparently put the club over the top in the Butcher sweepstakes.

"I hit it off with (head) coach Hynes," the 22-year-old defenseman said. "He's a strong hockey mind and a strong coach."

The Hobey Baker Award winner's revelation came after he was asked what the tipping point was in his decision, according to The Associated Press' Stephen Whyno.

Butcher also confirmed Monday that the Devils, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, and Vegas Golden Knights were the four finalists for his services, and said he envisions himself with the Devils for the long term, not just for the length of the two-year, entry-level deal he agreed to on Sunday.

He notched 37 points in 43 games before leading the University of Denver to the national championship this past spring.

Copyright (C) 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.