Defenseman Will Butcher, the reigning Hobey Baker trophy winner for college hockey's top player, will become a free agent on Aug. 15 after his agent said he will not sign with the Colorado Avalanche before that date.

The Avalanche drafted Butcher in 2013, and the fifth-round pick played four seasons at the University of Denver. Colorado holds his rights, but if he waits until Aug. 15, he can become an unrestricted free agent and sign with any team.

The Devils are currently in the same situation with another college player, Alex Kerfoot, who can become a free agent in August if he does not sign with the Devils.

Regardless of how the Kerfoot situation plays out, it would make sense for the Devils to have significant interest in Butcher.

Butcher's position makes him very intriguing target for the Devils, who are still seeking to upgrade their defense. Adding Butcher would be a boost the group has missed this summer after losing out on free agent Kevin Shattenkirk to the Rangers.

Butcher finished with seven goals and 30 assists in 43 games while serving as captain of Denver's NCAA championship team last season. Butcher projects as a strong two-way defenseman, but his offensive instincts would be something the Devils could sorely use.

Butcher will likely be on the radar for several teams around the NHL, so the Devils would be far from alone in pursuing his services. In 2016, the Devils were one of eight teams that met with Hobey Baker winner Jimmy Vesey, who went the same route as Butcher in pursuing free agency. Vesey ultimately signed with the Rangers.

Since Butcher is 22 years old, his first NHL contract will be at most a two-year entry level deal, which is limited in salary. Last summer, Vesey signed a two-year contract with a $3.775 million AAV. But Vesey's base salary is $925K per season, with the rest of his money coming in performance and signing bonuses.

So many teams will be able to offer similar deals to Butcher, and part of his decision will come down to fit and opportunity. With the Devils, the opportunity to play immediately in the NHL would be there.

The Devils and all other teams outside of the Avalanche cannot talk to Butcher until after Aug. 15, so things could change in that span for New Jersey.

General manager Ray Shero said after free agency the Devils would still look to be active this summer in improving their team. An opportunity to do so has popped up in Butcher.

Chris Ryan may be reached at cryan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisRyan_NJ. Find NJ.com Devils on Facebook.