Bobby Butler

Butler signed a two-way contract with New Jersey in August and could see a depth role with the Devils if he lands an NHL job. Butler disappointed in Ottawa last season with 16 points in 56 games after notching 21 in 36 games as a rookie. He has some offensive talent to his game, but the Devils may not need him at the NHL level. Monitor his situation in training camp.

Butler showed some nice chemistry with Jason Spezza to close out the 2010-11 season and will likely be given a good shot out of training camp to win a top-6 forward position. Butler has a terrific shot and good offensive instincts as he's able to anticipate plays and get open for his one-timer. While Butler did not score a point in his first nine NHL games last year, he finished the season with 21 points in his last 27 games, which bodes well for the 2011-12 season. You should expect some inconsistency with his game, but Butler has the talent to put up around 20-25 goals and 40-45 points in what will be his first full NHL season.

Butler is one of Ottawa's young forward prospects who could see action with the big club in 2010-11. A finalist for the NCAA's Hobey Baker award in 2010, Butler is an excellent two-way forward with a terrific NHL-caliber shot. If he doesn't crack Ottawa's lineup out of training camp, look for him to develop further in the AHL and be one of the first callups when the inevitable injury bug strikes. Butler is a decent keeper pick as he should see fulltime NHL action by the 2011-12 season with the potential to max out as a top-6 forward.