Button began his career in hockey with the National Hockey League's (NHL) Central Scouting Bureau, where he was responsible for evaluating young talent. His keen eye for potential and his understanding of the game made him an invaluable asset to the organization.
In 1972, Button joined the Washington Capitals, an expansion team that was just entering the NHL. As the Director of Player Personnel, he was instrumental in building the team from the ground up. He was responsible for drafting and developing players, and his efforts laid the foundation for the Capitals' future success.
Button's tenure with the Capitals was marked by a number of notable draft picks. He was responsible for selecting players such as Mike Gartner, a future Hall of Famer, and Bobby Carpenter, the first American-born player to score 50 goals in a season. These players, among others, helped to establish the Capitals as a competitive force in the NHL.
In addition to his work with the Capitals, Button also served as the General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins from 1973 to 1974. During his time with the Penguins, he continued to demonstrate his talent for identifying and developing young players.
Despite his success in the NHL, Button was not content to rest on his laurels. He was always looking for ways to improve the game and was a strong advocate for the use of advanced statistics in player evaluation. His forward-thinking approach helped to pave the way for the analytics revolution that has since swept through the sport.
After leaving the Capitals, Button continued to work in hockey as a scout for the Dallas Stars. His expertise and passion for the game made him a respected figure in the hockey community, and his legacy continues to be felt in the sport today.
In summary, Jack Button was a pioneering figure in professional hockey. His work as an executive and scout had a profound impact on the sport, and his contributions to the game continue to be recognized and appreciated. His career was marked by a deep understanding of the game, a keen eye for talent, and a relentless drive to improve the sport he loved.
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