Carolina Hurricanes: Justin Williams Taking A Break From NHL

After months of waiting for his decision, veteran Carolina Hurricanes captain Justin Williams announced this morning that he will be taking a break from the NHL.

Well folks, after months of waiting we have our answer on if veteran team captain Justin Williams will return to the Carolina Hurricanes. And, sadly that answer is no – for the time being. Williams announced this morning that he is taking a break from the NHL and will not be with the Hurricanes at the start of the 2019-2020 season.

In the press release from the Hurricanes, Williams elaborated on his decision to step away from hockey.

“This is the first time in my life that I’ve felt unsure of my aspirations with regards to hockey. For as long as I can remember, my whole off-season until this point has been hockey and doing what was necessary to prepare for the upcoming season. Because of my current indecision, and without the type of mental and physical commitment that I’m accustomed to having, I’ve decided to step away from the game.”

And Williams being the class act that he always is went on to say this about the team.

“It’s important to me that the focus of attention is on the current, very talented group the Carolina Hurricanes have assembled, as they prepare to build on the momentum and growth we established last season.”

I have nothing but respect for Williams. He has given his all for not only the Carolina Hurricanes organization, but the NHL as a whole. He is putting the team first in this decision. And the team and fans couldn’t ask for more. If he is unsure about his future and can’t give 100% and wants to take a break, then I fully support his decision and thank him for his honesty.

Now of course, the optimist in me has to point out that Justin didn’t say he was retiring. So given some more time, he could decide to come back and will make one more push to hoist the Stanley Cup for a 4th time.

But on the flip side, he could decide that it’s time for him to hang up his skates for good. And should he come to this decision about his future, he’s earned his retirement. No one can deny that.

Over the course of his 18 seasons, Williams has played 1,244 games and registered 786 points (474 assists and 312 goals) with the Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, and Washington Capitols. He’s a 3 time Stanley Cup Champion. He helped bring the Hurricanes their first cup in 2006 and the Kings their first and second cups in 2012 and 2014, respectively. As well as getting his name etched in history alongside former teammates Cam Ward and Jonathan Quick as well as other NHL greats like Patrick Roy, Wayne Gretzky, and Mario Lemieux by winning the Conn Smythe trophy in 2014.

And it wasn’t like Williams was just some old guy taking up roster space last season either. He ranked third on the Canes roster behind only Teuvo Teravainen and Sebastian Aho in scoring with 53 points (23 goals and 30 assists). Which was his highest point total since 2011-2012 and the seventh time he’s had a 20 goal season. And he was a key piece in the Hurricanes post season success as well.

No matter what he decides to do, I support Justin Williams in whatever he decides to do. He’s earned retirement, should he decide to hang it up. And if he decides to come back, then the rest of the NHL better take warning.

Question for CC readers: What is your favorite memory of Justin Williams, regardless of what team he was with?