Seattle Thunderbirds junior hockey defenseman Ryan Button signed a three-year entry level contract Wednesday with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League.
“Signing a pro contract is something that every player strives for and we are happy for Ryan that he has signed with the Bruins,” said T-Birds General Manager Russ Farwell in a media release. “Ryan will definitely start in the American Hockey League next year with the Providence Bruins. It is still a possibility Boston might decide he would benefit from another year of junior hockey. We will watch his progress carefully but he will determine where he plays based on his on-ice performance.”
Button signed an Amateur Tryout Agreement with the Providence Bruins on March 29, nine days after the T-Birds 2010-11 regular season concluded. The Providence Bruins are the American Hockey League affiliate of Boston. Button appeared in seven games with Providence and had a single assist.
“This is an exciting day for me,” said Button. “I could not have done this without the support of the coaches, players, fans and billets in Seattle.”
Button was a third-round pick, 86th overall, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by Boston.
The T-Birds acquired Button from the Prince Albert Raiders on Jan. 10 for Charles Wells and the T-Birds first round selection in the 2011 CHL Import Draft.
Button appeared in 69 games with the T-Bird and Raiders combined. He had five goals and 30 assists for 35 points.
Boston had until June 1 to sign Button to a NHL contract or he would become a free agent.
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