As fantasy hockey owners begin to rev up their preparation for September drafts, the name of Bobby Butler likely will not be at the top of anyone's wish list. But the 24 year-old Ottawa Senators forward just might make some noise as a solid secondary scorer in fantasy leagues this upcoming season.
A second year pro, Butler spent most of 2010-11 in the minor leagues, totaling a solid 22 goals and 33 points in 47 games for the Binghamton Senators. When given an opportunity to play at the NHL level, Butler responded with 21 points (10-11-21) in 36 games.
Not too shabby for a rookie call-up, especially one who was playing for an offensively-challenged Ottawa team.
Butler proved that he could generate offensive chances on a regular basis in the National Hockey League. And while he and the Sens would have liked to see him score more than ten goals, he was still clearly one of the club's most consistent offensive threats.
At the end of the season Butler returned to Binghamton where he helped lead the baby Sens to the Calder Cup championship, putting it all together and scoring 13 goals and 17 points in 23 games.
This end-of-the-year success should serve Butler's confidence well as he heads into training camp this fall, and a regular top-six spot among the Senators' forwards should be there for Butler's taking. As such, a 25-goal season is not out of the question for Butler, which would make him a smart selection in the latter rounds of your fantasy hockey draft.
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