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Williams is a 6-foot-4, 226 pound defenseman. He spent last season with the Hartford Wolfpack, where he recorded 16 assists. In the junior leagues, in 2007-08, he proved that he can score by registering 46 points in the OHL. To expedite his development, the Rangers returned Williams to Hartford (AHL) ahead of the 2010-11 regular season.
Williams played 70 AHL games last season for the Avanlanche, but he'll get a look from the Rangers this fall in camp. He's likely to begin the season in Hartford and will have to battle it out with a number of young defenders the Rangers are high on to see a promotion to the Big Apple.
Williams is considered one of the Avs' top defensive prospects. He's big and strong (6'4", 226 lbs), with good puck handling skills, but there are conflicting reports about his skating ability. However, he plays tough and can put up points, so he's worth keeping an eye on. He's still probably a couple of seasons away from seeing any big-league action.
Will begin the season playing for the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League.
The 18-year-old needs more seasoning, but was a highly touted all-around player when Colorado drafted him in the second round of the 2005 draft. He has been playing for the Under-18 U.S. National Team.
Williams has heard the Chris Pronger comparisons for a while -- being 6'5" and 220 lbs at 17 would do it for anyone. He has great mobility and very good all-around skills, but his hockey sense is a little dull right now. Chalk it up to age and cut the kid some slack. If he's half the stud Pronger is, he'll be special. He's headed off to Wisconsin next season and that will do wonders for his development.
