Justin Williams spent two seasons with the Washington Capitals and when the season ended, the 35-year-old said he wanted to keep playing.
“My drive is there — it’s always there,” Williams said. “I think the majority of people saw that this year and I don’t think it’s something I’m ever going to lose.”
Williams and the Carolina Hurricanes re-united Saturday, agreeing to a two-year, $9 million deal. Williams spent five seasons in Carolina from 2004-2009 and won his first Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006.
The contract carries a $4.5 million cap hit per year, but Williams is set to make $5 million in 2017 and $4 million in 2018.
Williams was reportedly in high demand with at least 10 teams lining up to sign him. Williams was one of the best options on a thin free agent market, particularly among right wingers.
The two-year, $9 million deal is more lucrative than the two-year, $6.5 million deal he signed with Washington in 2015. The Capitals expected Williams to leave, considering they prioritized their restricted free agents and re-signing T.J. Oshie before he hit free agency.
In Washington, Williams provided a veteran presence with Stanley Cup experience. Williams has won three Stanley Cups in his career, one in Carolina and two with the Los Angeles Kings.
Williams, nicknamed “Mr. Game 7,” has seven goals and seven assists in Game 7s of the playoffs. Williams, however, lost his first Game 7 in May when the Capitals lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round of the playoffs. He is now 7-1 in those games.
During his two years with the Capitals, Williams had 100 points (46 goals, 54 assists). He had 24 goals last year.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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