Sens sign Bobby Butler

Photo via www.bostonjuniorbruins.com

The Ottawa Senators have officially signed University of New Hampshire star, Bobby Butler to a two year entry-level contract. It is a two-way contract with $9K cap hit.

Butler, native of Marlborough, MA ringing in at 6’ and 185lbs. He is a Hobey Baker Award finalist and is the top NCAA scorer for the 2009-10 season with 29 goals in 39 games. Butler is eligible to play for the Senators this season, but is unable to suit up in the NHL playoffs*. Bryan Murray has publicly stated that Butler will see some playing time eventually in the last few games of the regular season – possible as early as Thursday when the Senators face the Carolina Hurricane at Scotiabank Place.
*note: The Ottawa Citizen is claiming he is eligible for the NHL playoffs. I’m guessing it is some exception or because it is an ELC rather than the usual contract. If anyone knows, please comment!

I’m not going to claim to know about Bobby Butler as I have really been slacking on keeping up with college hockey news in the last few seasons. I decided to do some research instead and here is what I came up with.

Butler was eligible for the NHL draft back in 2007. Hockey’s Future did a brief scouting report on him from a review of the top 20 eligible NCAA players. Please note this is from his first season with University of New Hampshire (UNH).

2006-07 season: Bobby Butler may be the best Wildcats player that almost no one talked about this season. His contributions and ability to "fill some holes" on the New Hampshire roster throughout the year have helped the team earn another trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Marlboro, MA native registered 12 points (nine goals, three assists) in 38 games this season. His most memorable game came on Mar. 16 in the Hockey East semi-final thriller versus UMass. In that contest, Butler tallied the game-winner in double overtime.

Talent Analysis: Butler is budding two-way power forward with great hands and a powerful shot. One of his strongest assets is his playmaking ability, whether it's setting up a potential goal or making a nice outlet pass from the defensive zone. He makes very good decisions with the puck and also has the ability to make those around him better. As good as Butler is offensively, he is almost equally as good defensively, particularly on the penalty kill. Though he is strong on his skates and moves well, Butler is neither the prettiest nor quickest skater out there. That should improve over time.

Ottawa 67's vs Mississauga St. Michaels Majors - Round Two Preview

Round two will be a big test for the Ottawa 67's as they are set to face a stonger defensive team in the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors. If you look at the regular season head-to-head stats, it doesn't look to bright for Ottawa. The Majors have gone a perfect 4-0 against the 67's while outscoring them 24-8.

HOWEVER, all four games were played in the first half of the season with the last game being on January 3, 2010. From the beginning of the season (Sep 9/10) until Jan 3/10, the 67's had a winning percentage of only 0.575. Since Jan 3/10, the 67's have had a winning percentage of 0.722. You can easily argue that these are two different teams.

Interestingly enough, Corey Cowick - the hero in the Niagara series - returned from his long injury on Jan 9/10, only two games after that final loss vs the Majors.

Here's a quick run down on the stats (IN THE REGULAR SEASON)

Ottawa 67's vs Niagara IceDogs - Round One Preview

Ottawa 67's will be looking for revenge after getting knocked out by the Niagara IceDogs after seven hard fought games in the first round of the 2009 OHL Playoffs.

Don't be fooled by the point differential in the standings between the Ottawa 67's & Niagara IceDogs. Judging by their games during the regular season, I think it's safe to say we are in for not only an exciting, but also a long series.

Here's a quick few stats to kick of the playoffs...