 The disparity between the NHL's Red Wings' and the WHA's Whalers' draft positions for Williams would guide him to accept a contract offer and an almost guaranteed roster spot on the Red Wings for the 1976-77 NHL season.Despite a strong Red Wings training camp, Alex Delvecchio and his coaching staff decided to send Williams to the minors for more professional experience to hone is game and develop his readiness to enter the National Hockey League.Williams then started the 1976–77 season with the Rhode Island Reds of the American Hockey League but due to injuries on the Red Wings, he was quickly called up to the big club on October 7, 1976.