Chris Butler began his hockey journey in his hometown of Kirkwood, Missouri. Playing youth hockey at the old outdoor rink for the Kirkwood Stars, developing a love and passion for the game of hockey. Butler transitioned to the St Louis Amateur Blues for two years of AAA hockey before joining the St Louis Jr B Blues. While competing for the Jr B Blues, Butler also player hockey for his high-school, Chaminade, for two seasons. Entering his junior year of high-school Butler chose to leave St Louis and play for the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL. 

Upon completing 2 years in Sioux City and being selected to the All-USHL First Team, Butler committed to the University of Denver and was selected in the 4th round, 96th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. During his Freshmen season at Denver, Butler was selected to play for Team USA at the 2006 World Junior Hockey Championships. After completing 3 seasons of hockey for the University of Denver, Butler signed his first pro contract with the Buffalo Sabres.

As a professional, Butler, would go on to play 11 professional seasons between the Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames and St. Louis Blues Organization. During that period Butler was selected to compete for Team USA at the 2012 and 2013 IIHF World Hockey Championships, winning a bronze medal in 2013. Butler retired in 2019 as a member of the Blues organization as they won their first ever Stanley Cup.



Following his retirement in 2019, Butler transitioned into hockey operations. He worked as a scout for the Arizona Coyotes for two seasons, before being hired by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2022, where he currently serves as a player development coach.