Golden Knights made 'impressive' pitch to college free agent Butcher

Will Butcher could be the next star to take his show to Sin City.

The University of Denver defenseman, who became an unrestricted free agent Wednesday, held a teleconference with the Vegas Golden Knights this week and, according to his agent, came away impressed with what the expansion franchise has to offer.

"The conversation went well," Butcher's agent, Brian Bartlett, told Ben Gotz of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "The management was well prepared and painted an impressive picture of their plan and how a player like Will would fit into that."

The reigning Hobey Baker Award winner, Butcher impressed with Denver last season as he netted 37 points in 43 games. Interest in his services grew as he captained Denver to its first national championship since 2005.

Butcher was originally drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2013, but did not sign an entry-level deal. Bartlett stated in July: "We appreciate what Colorado has done, and we're not ruling out the Avalanche as a potential destination. But we just feel there will be other opportunities that should be explored too, and therefore we're going (to free agency)."

As for the Golden Knights, they aren't the only team showing interest in Butcher, who has reportedly heard from the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils. He's also expected to receive a pitch from the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

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