College hockey’s top player is an NHL free agent after former University of Denver defenseman Will Butcher allowed a deadline to pass without signing with the Colorado Avalanche.
The Avalanche selected Butcher in the fifth round of the 2013 draft and had until Tuesday to sign the Hobey Baker Award winner who led Denver to a national championship in April.
A person with direct knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Butcher already has had talks with the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils and NHL-expansion Vegas Golden Knights. The person said Butcher has not yet narrowed his list, and also is talking with other teams.
The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the discussions were to remain private.
The Denver Post first reported the three specific teams expressing interest in Butcher.