Born	October 27, 1986 (1986-10-27) (age 23), St. Louis, MO
Height Weight	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 195 lb (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb)
Position	Defense
Shoots	Left
NHL team (P) Cur. team F. teams	Buffalo Sabres Portland Pirates (AHL) Sioux City Musketeers
NHL Draft	96th overall, 2005 Buffalo Sabres
Pro career	2008 – present

Chris Butler (born October 27, 1986) is an ice hockey player for the NHL's Buffalo Sabres. Family members include parents Martha and Doug and siblings Liz (24) and Mike (17). He was drafted by the Sabres in the fourth round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He played his first NHL game on December 19, 2008 against the Los Angeles Kings.

In April 2008, Butler decided to leave the University of Denver early to sign with the NHL Buffalo Sabres. Butler, who likely would have been captain of his college team next season, is the fourth player — and third junior — in the past three years to leave DU early to sign an NHL deal. Named to the All-America second team on April 11, 2008, Butler was recognized as the Pioneers' best defenceman and two-way player. He had 17 points (three goals) this season, and had a team-high 110 blocked shots and a plus-10 rating.

Butler joins Matt Carle (Tampa Bay Lightning), Ryan Dingle (Anaheim Ducks) and Geoff Paukovich (Edmonton Oilers) in leaving DU after their junior season. Two years ago, Paul Stastny signed with the Avalanche after his sophomore season. He scored his first NHL goal against the Philadelphia Flyers.

[edit] Career statistics

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2003–04	Sioux City Musketeers	USHL		55	3	6	9	37		7	0	1	1	6
2004–05	Sioux City Musketeers	USHL		60	6	22	28	90		13	1	6	7	10
2005–06	University of Denver	NCAA		35	7	15	22	28		—	—	—	—	—
2006–07	University of Denver	NCAA		39	10	17	27	42		—	—	—	—	—
2007–08	University of Denver	NCAA		41	3	14	17	38		—	—	—	—	—
2008–09	Portland Pirates	AHL		27	2	10	12	14		4	0	0	0	0
2008–09	Buffalo Sabres	NHL		47	2	4	6	18		—	—	—	—	—
NHL totals				47	2	4	6	18		—	—	—	—	—

[edit] External links

• Chris Butler's career stats at The Internet Hockey Database

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