NHL moves roundup Will Butcher to Devils Canucks considering Thomas Vane

University of Denver standout Will Butcher said he would pick from Sunday, and he delivered on that promise. The announced Sunday night they have signed the former draft pick to a two-year entry-level contract, ending the 22-year-old defenseman's brief but public free-agency tour. And it's the Devils' addition of the Hobey Baker Award winner that headlines a recent flurry of activity in the NHL: Devils add exactly what they need to a rebuilding core If there's one thing New Jersey could've used more of entering the 2017-18 season, it was defense. And that's exactly what Butcher, a national champion with Denver, brings to the table. General manager Ray Shero swung and mi sed on in free Mike Conley Jr. Jersey agency, but now at least has a prized young prospect to throw onto the blue line, not to mention opposite some . Butcher could've found an equally intriguing core with the , but he's headed to a team that figures to be on the upswing over the next few seasons. Rebuilding reportedly sniffing around Vanek It's anyone's gue s as to why "rebuilding" and " " continue to be used in the same sentences, but Vancouver is, in fact, checking into the 33-year-old free-agent forward. This shouldn't be too surprising, though, considering the Canucks spent some of their summer resources on bringing veterans like and into the building. At the end of the day, if Vanek does find a new home in Vancouver, it is what it is: Another short-term rental situation for a team needing some offensive juice. another low-risk, high-reward piece in N.J. Credit Shero for making some noise in August. He entered the offseason with lots of salary cap space, and these late-summer tweaks aren't nece sarily putting a big dent in the payroll, but they should warrant some praise. That includes . The big takeaway: Why not? Stafford isn't likely to be more than a third- or fourth-line winger, but for that cost, the Devils could do a whole lot worse. are still looking for third-line center help This has been a talking point for almost two months. Ever since fled for big bucks and a bigger role with the , Pittsburgh general manager Jim Rutherford has openly discu sed the team's plan to acquire third-line depth. taking his skates didn't change much, but the pre sure is still on for the Pens to bring someone in. The word now, as it has been for some time, is that Rutherford and Co. as they scour for help. Dante Exum Jersey