Carolina Hurricanes: Top 5 Conn Smythe Candidates
![RALEIGH, NC - MAY 01: Carolina Hurricanes right wing Justin Williams (14) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning goal during a game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Islanders on May 1, 2019 at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) RALEIGH, NC - MAY 01: Carolina Hurricanes right wing Justin Williams (14) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning goal during a game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Islanders on May 1, 2019 at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/bd5171ee878407b42e66216733ff297c43b9900bd4709e62ccc7dfda01496f12.jpg)
2. Justin Williams
Hopefully you’re not surprised that Captain Clutch himself, Justin Williams, has made this list. Williams is arguably the best leader in recent Carolina Hurricanes memory.
Williams has played a huge role in the current atmosphere of unity between the Carolina Hurricanes all season long. Not only has he led on the ice, Williams has been a leader off the ice, in the locker room, and on the bench.
Leading by example! pic.twitter.com/9V5hM7M1j6
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 4, 2019
Having won the Stanley Cup three times with two different teams (Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014), Williams knows what it takes to win, and has instilled in the team a culture of teamwork, camaraderie, and selflessness.
I can’t say enough about what Williams has done for the Hurricanes, and I’m sure he’ll continue to do the same for as long as he’s lacing up the skates.