With Brock McGinn’s salary arbitration behind them, now is the time for the Carolina Hurricanes to focus on re-signing veteran captain Justin Williams.
On Saturday morning, the Carolina Hurricanes and Brock McGinn were able to come to an agreement on a new contract. With that off-season hurdle finally out-of-the-way, the time has come for the Hurricanes to focus on re-signing their team captain Justin Williams.
Williams was an essential piece in the Hurricanes success last season. And not only in the leadership department. He had the third most points on the team, along with providing veteran leadership throughout the regular season and postseason.
Rumors of Williams retirement have been circulating ever since the Hurricanes playoff run came to an end back in May. No one could or should fault Williams if he decided to retire after an 18 year-long NHL career. He helped the Canes win their Stanley Cup back in 2006.
During his stint in Los Angeles, he won another 2 Cups as well the Conn Smythe trophy. He’s paid his dues. However, after getting so close to reaching another Stanley Cup final, one can only wonder how hungry that made him for one last trip to the top of the mountain.
The recent signing of free agent Ryan Dzingel and the acquisition and Erik Hula via trade from Las Vegas have added fuel to the fire of Williams retirement as well. It is important to note that no official word has come from Williams or his camp on whether or not he is planning to retire or return. He stated after the Hurricanes playoff run ended that he was not in a hurry to make this decision.
#Canes GM Don Waddell said he believes Justin Williams is leaning towards playing (and likely in Raleigh) but says that decision could still take a few weeks to sort out.
— Michael Smith (@MichaelSmithNC) July 2, 2019
After re-signing McGinn, the Canes have $2,495,209 left in projected cap space. Trades and moves to the Charlotte Checkers can also be made if necessary. This is should be enough room to give Williams a nice size short-term contract. Seeing as that with 18 years under his belt, he probably wouldn’t want more than a one or two year deal.
While the Hurricanes have plenty of talent to last for years to come, most of the team is coming off their first trip to the playoffs and are still in the first few years of their careers. It would be extremely beneficial for the team if Justin Williams were to return to provide his experience and leadership on and off the ice.
If Justin Williams were to decide to retire, which player would you like to see take his place as captain?