The Madison Capitols announced today that the team has acquired forward Eero Butella and three draft picks from the Fargo Force in exchange for forward Gavin Uhlenkamp.

"Eero is a player that has been on our staff's radar for a couple of seasons now," said Capitols Head Coach & General Manager Andy Brandt. "We are excited to add his pace, skill set, and size to our lineup. We feel he will fit in well with our team as we head into the last 14 games of the regular season."

Butella, 20, has skated in 47 games for the Force this season, posting 16 points (9-7-16) and 95 shots on goal.

The 6'4", 195 lb. forward has appeared in 159 career games, 97 with Fargo, 60 with Waterloo, and two with the USNTDP, recording 58 points (26-32-58) and 30 penalty minutes.

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Butella played in the 2023-24 Hlinka Gretzky Cup for Team USA picking up three points in five games. At that tournament, he played alongside Capitols goaltender Caleb Heil and former Capitols Will Felicio and Ryker Lee.

The picks acquired in the trade include two Phase II third round selections, Sioux City's 2026 third and Fargo's 2027 third, along with the Force's 2027 Phase I 4th round pick.

Butella is set to make his Capitols debut this weekend and will wear number 19 with the team.

Uhlenkamp ends his career with the Capitols with 119 games played and 70 points to his name. This season he had 30 points in 39 games with Madison.

"Gavin was a pleasure to coach over the past three seasons," said Brandt. "He is a talented player and great young man. He was part of a group that helped turn our program. I can't thank him enough for what he has done while a member of our organization. I wish him the best and look forward to following along with his career."

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