Butler on his way
The future is starting sooner than anticipated for the Sabres. Two weeks after top prospect Nathan Gerbe was called up from Portland, the Sabres summoned top defensive prospect Chris Butler.
Butler was called up tonight and is expected to make his NHL debut Friday when the Sabres host the Los Angeles Kings. Center Matt Ellis also was recalled with Paul Gaustad hobbled (he missed practice today because of lingering effects from being struck by a puck in practice Monday). But the big story is Butler, the 22-year-old University of Denver product. He has two goals and 10 assists in his first 27 professional games.
"It's what you dream of," Butler told The News by phone while waiting for a connection at New York City's JFK Airport. "For first-year guys, you're not sure how you fit into the team's plans, so you just play your best.
"Anytime you get the call, you've got to take advantage."
---John Vogl
