Other Players Bryan Murray has Signed out of College

As all of you probably already know Bryan Murray has signed highly touted NCAA prospect, Bobby Butler, to a two year contract. Butler led the NCAA with 29 goals this season while adding 24 assists. Despite his stats, there is no sure way to know if he will turn out.

We can however look at the stats of other free agents Murray has signed out of college.

Chris Kunitz

• 30 years old, left wing, 6ft, 198 lbs
• Attended Ferris University
• Senior year - scored 35g and 44a
• Signed with the ducks in 2003
• Had the best year of his career with the Ducks in 2006-07 tallying 60pts in 81gp
• Has won TWO cups.

Dustin Penner

• 27 years old, left wing, 6ft 4in, 245 lbs
• Attended the University of Maine
• Only played one year in college tallying 11 g and 12 apples
• Signed with the Ducks in 2004
• After stints in the AHL, his first year with the big club in 2006-07 he recorded - 29g and 16a and won a Stanley cup

Jesse Winchester

• 26 years old, Centre, 6ft 1in, 215lbs
• Colgate University
• Jesse scored 37 points in each of his last two years of college
• Signed with the Senators in 2008
• In his rookie campaign he scored 3 goals and 15 assists

I am too young to remember any players Murray signed when GM of Detroit and Florida, so please let me know if I am missing anyone. All players mentioned above have been very successful in their own way. Penner, massive power forward with great hands, Kunitz, 32 points in 48 games this season and Winchester, a fourth line grinder that adds depth during playoff time.

I do not want to get too excited about Butler as I have not yet seen him play. One can only hope that Butler turns into a player similar to Chris Kunitz, their size and point production at the college level are very similar.

What are your predictions for the Ottawa Senators newest prospect Bobby Butler?

Career AHLer, 4th liner, 3rd liner etc..?