"We said that we needed goal scoring and veteran leadership, and Justin will bring us both," said Francis. "He believes in what we are doing here and is returning to Raleigh to help the Hurricanes take the next step."
Williams, 35, scored 24 goals and added 24 assists (48 points) in 80 games for the Washington Capitals during the 2016-17 season. The Cobourg, Ont., native ranked tied for third among Capitals skaters in goals and sixth in points. Williams was fourth among Capitals in scoring during the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs, totaling nine points (3g, 6a) in 13 games.
Originally selected by the Philadelphia Flyers, Williams (6'1", 188 lbs.) has earned 682 points (273g, 409a) in 1,080 career regular-season NHL games with the Flyers, Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings and Capitals. He has added 94 points (36g, 58a) in 140 career playoff games, winning the Stanley Cup three times - 2006 with Carolina, and 2012 and 2014 with Los Angeles. Williams won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs, registering nine goals, 16 assists (25 points) and a league-leading plus-13 rating in 26 games for the Kings.
Williams played 265 regular-season games with the Hurricanes from 2004-2009, and ranks 10th in the team's North Carolina history in scoring with 201 points (81g, 120a). He scored seven goals and added 11 assists (18 points) in 25 games for the Hurricanes during the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs, as the Hurricanes captured the first championship in franchise history.
