nigel williams

[weezman]

I don't think anyone can call him a dud in the NCAA, he only played one game there. After his first game in the ohl he didn't score either as far as we know he could have gotten 3 goals in his next 2 games if he had the opportunity in the NCAA.

I think that was his feelings as well. Can't say I blame him. As an Avs fan, I wouldn't mind to see him carry this chip with him straight into the NHL. By chip I mean "I'll show them" attitude.

 

[Jori]

He has 13 points in 14 games, but to anybody who has watched Saginaw, can you provide any analysis in regards to his defensive play?

 

[Hunter Gathers]

He has 13 points in 14 games, but to anybody who has watched Saginaw, can you provide any analysis in regards to his defensive play?

I've heard he's been nothing special defensively, but fairly steady. Playing against younger competition might've been just what he needed to get his game straightened out. If he continues to do it, thank God, because he has the potential to be a force on the blueline if he just learns to play the damn game 100%.

 

[RUSqueelin*]

I've heard he's been nothing special defensively, but fairly steady. Playing against younger competition might've been just what he needed to get his game straightened out. If he continues to do it, thank God, because he has the potential to be a force on the blueline if he just learns to play the damn game 100%.

Williams is ouzing potential. Getting all the ice time he is in the OHL was the best decision he could have made for his hockey career. Big, mobile, really hard shot.

 

[SoundwaveIsCharisma]

Williams is ouzing potential. Getting all the ice time he is in the OHL was the best decision he could have made for his hockey career. Big, mobile, really hard shot.

Have you had a chance to watch him play at the OHL level? If you have can you tell us how he has played in the defensive zone, as well as if he's getting engaged physically. I think for Avs fans that's our biggest hope for him. If I recally correctly he's pretty big, I think we were all hoping he'd have potential to fill out the all-around defenseman role.

Anyways thanks.

 

[RUSqueelin*]

Have you had a chance to watch him play at the OHL level? If you have can you tell us how he has played in the defensive zone, as well as if he's getting engaged physically. I think for Avs fans that's our biggest hope for him. If I recally correctly he's pretty big, I think we were all hoping he'd have potential to fill out the all-around defenseman role.

Anyways thanks.

I've only seen him a couple of times, perhaps you'd be lucky enough to have a Saginaw fan on here. So I can't comment on his defensive side. But his upside is obvious. A big guy who is that mobile is hard to find. He's only 18 so he just needs to play, play, play.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

Have you had a chance to watch him play at the OHL level? If you have can you tell us how he has played in the defensive zone, as well as if he's getting engaged physically. I think for Avs fans that's our biggest hope for him. If I recally correctly he's pretty big, I think we were all hoping he'd have potential to fill out the all-around defenseman role.

Anyways thanks.

As I said -- he's been so so in the defensive zone (but that isn't his game anyway). Not bad, but not being a world beater, either. He doesn't have to be defensive to be effective. I never, ever expect him to be stellar in his own zone.

He's not a physical player at all, though, for his size. He doesn't shy away from contact but doesn't initiate it, either. Wouldn't say he's soft, but he's not a hitter either.

His offense has been solid so far, though, which is a good sign. I just worry about his mental game as I've heard he's made a lot of errant passes and doesn't have the greatest first pass in the world, either, at the OHL level.

 

[VOB]

Have you had a chance to watch him play at the OHL level? If you have can you tell us how he has played in the defensive zone, as well as if he's getting engaged physically. I think for Avs fans that's our biggest hope for him. If I recally correctly he's pretty big, I think we were all hoping he'd have potential to fill out the all-around defenseman role.

Anyways thanks.

His defensive game is improving by leaps and bounds. In his very first game, he was often out of position, had a tendency to lose the puck causing turn overs and really struggled with his gap control.

He still is a work in progress but has made notable improvements in all these areas. His strength is in his skating and shot. He is very good at the transition game and has a very accurate powerful shot. He is deadly on the power play and will make it to the NHL at the very least as a PP specialist.

Many thought the Avs were reaching a bit picking him where they did but this kid really does ooze with potential. He made a quicker adujstment to the O than his more balyhood counterpart Montgomery.

 

[Hasbro]

Many thought the Avs were reaching a bit picking him where they did but this kid really does ooze with potential. He made a quicker adujstment to the O than his more balyhood counterpart Montgomery.

I'd disagree with you there as he was projected as a 1st round pick ina mediocre draft and the Avs had 2 2nds.