"I think he's already is a star in this league," Devils defenseman John Moore said. "I think he's such a smart player. He really never puts himself in tough spots. There's usually a learning curve in this league figuring out how not to expose yourself, but he's bypassed that entirely."
Butcher's impressive rookie campaign comes after helping the University of Denver win the NCAA Division I men's hockey championship with 37 points (seven goals, 30 assists) in 43 games, and winning the 2017 Hobey Baker Award as the nation's top collegiate player.
"He's made a big impact on our team and we're lucky he picked us," Shero said.
Montgomery said he isn't surprised with how seamless Butcher's transition has been from college rinks to NHL arenas.
"He makes plays in all three zones and has the confidence and belief in his instincts, his hands, and his ability to read the ice and thread the needle to make plays," Montgomery said. "I give coach John Hynes a lot of credit for using Will and bringing him into situations that have enabled his confidence to grow."
Butcher has been paired with veteran defenseman Ben Lovejoy much of the season.
"His work on the power play is second to none, but he comes out and plays a consistent game every night," Lovejoy said. "He's very even-tempered off the ice and plays that way when he's out there. He's a quiet guy who has fit in very well in the locker room, is incredibly well-liked and is a huge asset to our team."
At a time when the League is beginning to favor smaller, more elusive puck-moving defensemen over traditional bigger defensemen, Lovejoy said Butcher has found a home.
"Smaller players at one point in their career had to prove that they belonged, every day, every training camp," Lovejoy said. "Now the game is all about speed, skill and talent. Everybody would love to be 6-foot-4, but it doesn't matter so long as you can play and think the game and Will does that well."