The Blue Jackets added some physicality and toughness to their system yesterday, signing overage forward Cameron Butler from the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. Butler is a responsible two-way forward with plenty of size, who should start the year in the AHL next season.
An undrafted free agent, Butler is a rare 5-year CHL player; though he had one entire season wiped out due to the pandemic. Over the course of his OHL career, he posted 71 goals, 77 assists, 148 points and 289 penalty minutes in 253 games.
This season, he set career highs in goals (24), assists (25), points (19) and penalty minutes (111). Checking in at 6’4″ and close to 210 pounds, his signing gives the team something it lacks amongst forwards, throughout the prospect group: NHL size.
CAMERON BUTLER 😤
— Oshawa Generals (@Oshawa_Generals) March 2, 2023
that's all, that's the tweet.#OSHvsKIT pic.twitter.com/AcV20dc3oz
Butler was a captain in the OHL last season, playing for Niagara and scoring at nearly a point-per-game clip before being traded to Oshawa. As these things typically go, his scoring dropped off with his new role, but he’s a bull of a player who isn’t afraid to go to the hard areas and play hockey on both sides of the puck.
Elite Prospects gives a more in-depth scouting report here, mentioning his penchant for defensive zone coverage and ability to win puck battles. After the contract was signed, Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen spoke glowingly of Butler’s physicality, toughness, and leadership.
"“Cameron is a physical forward with size, strength, toughness and tremendous character and leadership,” said Kekalainen. “He is a hard-working, competitive player and we are excited to welcome him to the Blue Jackets family.”"
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From all accounts, Butler will make it easier for the skilled players around him to do what they do best. He’ll win pucks, throw fists, and help with the defensive zone coverage when he’s on the ice. I like this pickup, it sure seems like he will make the Cleveland Monsters a lot more accountable next season.
This is exactly the kind of player teams should be looking to pick up, as far as undrafted free agent prospects go. You won’t typically find the high-end scorers that will make a difference in the NHL; but if you go out and get players like this, who could become quality depth pieces in the future, you might come away with a good piece. This signing reminds me a little bit of the Eric Robinson pickup a few years back, and I don’t think it’s unreasonable to see Cameron Butler in an eventual bottom-six role here.