The Will Butcher sweepstakes will officially begin Wednesday.
The 2017 Hobey Baker Award winner remains property of the Colorado Avalanche, who drafted him 123rd overall in 2013, through to the end of Tuesday, agent Brian Bartlett confirmed.
NHL teams hold NCAA players' rights "through and including" Aug. 15 so midnight tonight is the first time other teams can express interest.
— Brian Bartlett (@BBarts) August 15, 2017
The 22-year-old defenseman couldn't come to an agreement with the Avalanche on an entry-level contract, meaning he'll be free to sign one with any of the NHL's other 30 teams as an unrestricted free agent once that window opens at midnight.
Related: 3 teams that should pursue Will Butcher
Butcher was named the top player in men's college hockey last season and captained the University of Denver to the national championship. He registered 28 goals and 75 assists in 158 career NCAA games.
Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.