Justin Williams has ruptured his achilles tendon and is on the shelf for 4-6 months. That makes a return date of February/ March for him. Don't count on more than 15 games this season for Williams, who missed most of last year with a knee injury. Fortunately, he didn't hurt his knee again – which would indicate a career -threatening pattern. It's a fluke, and plain ol' bad luck for Williams owners.

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I'm not sure if you caught me on the Bill Watters show yesterday, but Watters seemed pretty convinced that Akim Aliu would make the Blackhawks. It's safe to say his sources are better than mine… so I bumped him in my Fantasy Prospects List from 211th into the top 140 and will be watching how he does in camp. He will be great for PIMs immediately, and his points will be decent down the road.

As expected, Steve Sullivan will not be in camp for Nashville. If all goes well, he will return in January, but the writing is on the wall here.

Dallas continues to be impressed with prospect Jamie Benn. Benn is ranked 113 on my FPr list but is moving up with his continued strong play.

Geoff Sanderson has changed his mind and will not report to the Hawks' camp on a tryout basis. Kevyn Adams and Jesse Boulerice will attend the camp without contracts.

The Flames returned Greg Nemisz, Ryley Grantham, Mitch Wahl, TJ Brodie, Lance Bouma and Keith Aulie to their junior teams.

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Columbus has invited Richard Matvichuk to training camp, along with Shane Willis. I mentioned this several weeks ago, but you may have missed it.

The Kings have invited Marty Murray to training camp to tryout.

Aaron Portzline blogs in the Dispatch that Jakub Voracek did not play in the prospects tourney game yesterday because the team has seen enough – he was dominant. They want to see more of the other players so they told Voracek to rest.

Eric Staal's minor contract issue has been resolved and resubmitted to the NHL, if there was any doubt.

Kris Draper thinks that this Detroit team is the deepest Detroit team ever. I agree. But remember a few years ago when Joe Sakic felt the same about the Avs, as did everyone else. It's not always about depth – chemistry and a little luck also matter, to say nothing of a hot goaltender at the right time.