Carolina Hurricanes: Justin Williams Among the Best Hurricanes of All-Time

The Company

The Carolina Hurricanes may not have the storied history of the Original Six franchises, but we have been blessed with immense talent. Although we’ve never had a player widely considered to be the best on the planet, there were many who have meant a lot to the fans of this team.

Players like Eric Staal, one of the top scorers in the league during his tenure with the Hurricanes, and a fan favorite during his 7-year stint as captain. Ron Francis, often referred to as one of the best players that ever played. Rod Brind’Amour is one of the NHL’s most underrated players of all time, and led the Hurricanes to their first, and only, Stanley Cup win.

There are also impact players who have become favored by Hurricanes fans. Goaltenders Cam Ward ,who was a mainstay in net for 13 years and Arturs Irbe, who was beloved for the 5 seasons he spent in Carolina.

Not to mention the impact of players like Glen Wesley, who’s number 2 hangs in the rafters, and was productive for his 10 years on the Carolina Defense; or Erik Cole, who spent 9 seasons in Carolina, putting up more than 40 points 6 times, and ranks inside the top 5 in points scored by a Hurricane.

These players have, in one way or another, contributed to the Hurricanes legacy. The question is, where does Justin Williams rank among those names? I would argue that Williams has the contribution to Carolina that leaves him among the teams very best.

The Hurricanes Four Horsemen

There aren’t many people who would deny the top two players of all time; Ron Francis and Rod Brind’Amour. Francis has all the individual credentials a player could want; statistical accomplishments and success as a captain. Brind’ Amour stands as the only Hurricane captain to every lift the cup, and was a dominant two-way force in his time as number 17

Outside of those two players, most would agree that Eric Staal deserves a place among Hurricane greats. The all-time leader in career points for a Hurricane and the longest tenured captain in Carolina history. These three players have more or less cemented their legacy, and it is difficult to find someone who is more qualified for the number four spot then Justin Williams.

Williams contributions in Carolina speaks for itself. He is top 10 in points scored by a Hurricane despite only being in Carolina for 7 seasons, is top 5 in playoff points, and was a prominent player during the 2006 Cup run. This is all without considering what he has done in his year as captain.

He will forever be linked with the end of the 10-year playoff drought and has been the face of a memorable Carolina playoff run; leading the Canes to the eastern Conference Finals as a Wildcard team. Williams wasn’t simply a veteran captaining through experience either, He was a prominent performer, often being counted on to produce late in important games in his age 37 season.

If we were to create a Hurricanes Four Horseman, there is little doubt that Francis, Brind’Amour, Staal, and Williams would constitute those positions. The creator of the Storm Surge has proven loyal to this fanbase and has produced beyond expectation in his return home.

Whether it’s the goatee-wearing number 11, or the grey bearded number 14, Williams has always come through for us Caniacs. He has defined what it means to be a Hurricane, and he deserves to be recognized among some of the greatest leaders, and players, in Carolina history.

Question for Cardiac Cane: Should Justin Williams’ number be retired when he does? And should it be his 11 or 14?