Published: April 13, 2008 11:32 pm            

SABRES: Butler to leave DU

University of Denver defenseman Chris Butler will leave the school early to sign with the Buffalo Sabres, according to a report in the Denver Post.

“It’s definitely exciting,” Butler told a Post reporter by phone from Buffalo.

Named to the All-America second team Friday, Butler, a 2005 fourth-round pick of the Sabres, was the Pioneers’ best defenseman and two-way player. He had 17 points (three goals) this season, and a team-high 110 blocked shots to go with a plus-10 rating.

He was the quarterback on the No. 1 power-play unit and a key penalty killer. He also led DU in minutes per game.

Butler, who likely would have been captain next season, is the fourth player — third junior — in the past three years to leave DU early to sign an NHL deal.

        

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