Many story lines have unfolded over this incredible season, and one of note is the impact of veteran captain Justin Williams. The Question is, has Justin Williams earned a place among the Carolina Hurricanes Greats?
Two seasons ago, Justin Williams saw himself as a free agent. A veteran with 3 Stanley Cups and the ability to contribute on any team with championship aspirations. The talent was still there, and he could still keep up with the speed of an NHL that has claimed so many at his age.
It was this offseason that Williams made the rather surprising decision to return again to the team that gave him his first championship ring in 2006. Leaving many shocked, and unsure of what was still left in the tank of the 36-year-old winger. A year later he was named team captain, and the rest is history.
Leading the team to their first playoff appearance in 10 years and producing the same late game heroics that he has been known for to help secure the Canes a spot in the Eastern Conference finals, Williams’ return has been a success.
That's career #StanleyCup Playoff point number 💯 for @JustinWilliams. pic.twitter.com/ES3Y7ql1Ch
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) May 4, 2019
So, Williams has been a Stanley Cup Champion, a success as a team captain, and has never scored less than 50 points when playing all 82 games in a Hurricanes sweater. That begs the question, where does he rank among some of the greatest players in franchise history?