Will Butcher’s biggest goal in returning for his senior season at the University of Denver was to win a national championship. He accomplished that, along with picking up the Hobey Baker award in the process.



Now, the 22-year-old defenseman can shift his focus on to what’s next for his career. Agent Brian Bartlett confirmed to The Athletic Detroit that Butcher won’t be signing with the team that drafted him, the Colorado Avalanche, in the fifth round of the 2013 NHL draft.



That will free him up to sign with any other team in the NHL on Aug. 15, as Jimmy Vesey did last summer with the New York Rangers.



According to an NHL source, the Detroit Red Wings will be one of many teams in pursuit of the defenseman once they’re allowed to contact Butcher’s camp.



And, while Butcher’s destination list has yet to be formed, his camp is well aware of the potential opportunity that would exist in...