EVERETT — The Everett Silvertips’ forward depth just took a hit.
Dawson Butt was listed on the Western Hockey League’s weekly injury report with a week-to-week upper-body injury. The 18-year-old forward left the Silvertips’ 7-2 win over Seattle on Saturday after crashing against the boards following a hit and did not return. Butt wore a sling around his left arm and was in street clothes during the second and third periods.
Butt has been a consistent source of secondary scoring this season, as the Buckley, Washington, native boasts seven goals and seven assists in 48 games.
The Silvertips have suited 11 forwards and seven defensemen in the past weeks, but Butt’s injury won’t impact that much, as it is more to do with Everett’s dearth of centers — Everett head coach Dennis Williams said on Friday that he would rather cylce through wingers than play someone out of position at center, causing a hole in the fourth line. Butt’s absence will open up an opportunity for Jalen Price or Conrad Mitchell to break the lineup with more regularity, as the 17-year-old wingers have been healthy scratches recently.
“We’re fortunate enough we have a few extra bodies at the moment, so hopefully whoever receives those minutes rises to the occasion and plays well,” Silvertips general manager Garry Davidsion said. “You always go through stretches where you have guys out … but it’s not like we have a big-time shortage.”
Sutter still aways out
Riley Sutter underwent an X-Ray on Tuesday, according to Davidson.
“It’s still going to be a little time until he’s back,” Davidson said.
Sutter has been Everett’s No. 1 center for the majority of the season and is still tied for fourth on the team with 27 assists despite missing the past month. The timeline on his return to Everett’s lineup is unknown, but the Silvertips expect him to return at some point this season.
Josh Horton covers the Everett Silvertips and AquaSox for The Everett Daily Herald. Follow him on Twitter (@joshhortonEDH) or reach out to him over email (jhorton@heraldnet.com).
