Jerry Butler

Jerome Patrick Butler (born February 27, 1951) is a Canadian former ice hockey winger who played 11 seasons in the National Hockey League. He was known as a fast, gritty defensive specialist with limited offensive upside.

Born in Sarnia, Ontario, Butler was selected 55th overall by the New York Rangers in the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft, despite having scored only six goals in junior the previous season. He spent most of his first two professional seasons in the minors, earning an eight-game callup during the 1972–73 season, in which he scored his first NHL goal. Called up again late in the 1973–74 campaign, he impressed with 16 points in 26 games and remained with the team through the playoffs, appearing in 12 of 13 games.

In 1974–75, his first full NHL season, Butler recorded 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points in 78 games, earning a positive reputation for his speed, hustle, and quality defensive play. At the conclusion of the season, he was traded to the St. Louis Blues as the centerpiece of a deal for star goaltender John Davidson. In St. Louis, he was given the opportunity to play on one of the Blues' top lines alongside Garry Unger.