New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has acquired defenseman Nigel Williams from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Brian Fahey.
Williams is both the rawest, and the most intriguing in long-term upside, of the bunch. At 6-5 and 220 pounds with excellent footwork and skating ability, Williams plays with an edge and likes to handle the puck and move up into the play. His hockey sense is still a bit lacking at this stage, but then again, a mere 18 months ago he was playing Midget AAA in Illinois, so he's come a long way in a relatively short time span. If he continues to progress at such a rapid rate, he could become a real beast.
Williams was actually #3 on Colorado's Hockey's Future's Spring 2009 Rankings... behind only Kevin Shattenkirk and Chris Stewart. He hasn't developed terribly either... here's the write-up:
Quote:
3. Nigel Williams, D, 20 – Lake Erie Monsters - 7.0 B
Acquired: 2nd round, 51st overall in 2006
Playing his first pro season for the Monsters, Williams is a monster himself. Standing 6’4 and approximately 230lbs, Williams is an impressive physical specimen who plays a decent defensive game while also displaying a bit of offensive flair for a player his size.
Williams has recorded 14 points this season, five goals and nine assists which puts him second in team scoring among team defenders.
The 20-year-old has a promising career ahead of him if he can continue to work on refining his overall game. He may see some NHL time next season as a call-up depending on how much of Colorado’s roster is turned over, but should spend the majority of the season in the AHL as he’s not quite NHL ready yet.
OK, I guess I'll revise my original statement that Williams is a "nothing." He seems like he might be a good prospect. Considering Fahey was a career AHL player, it's hard to dislike the move.
sounds a bit like Jessiman. Big and raw. I was intrigued by the title since there are two threads with the name Nigel in them - thought that was a rarity.
Williams is 7 years younger and only had 4 less points than Fahey in the AHL last year too... and Fahey's considered a pure offensive defenseman while Williams is more of a defense first guy.
OK, I guess I'll revise my original statement that Williams is a "nothing." He seems like he might be a good prospect. Considering Fahey was a career AHL player, it's hard to dislike the move.
THN Future Watch said Williams needs to improve his quickness to play in the NHL. Others think he will develop into a reliable,stay at home type.
Had a decent 1st pro season. Very hard shot from the point. Needs to improve his skating and fine-tuning hockey sense.
