Forward Justin Williams has decided where he’ll take his talents to, inking a 2-year deal with the Washington Capitals, worth $3.25 million AAV.
Justin Williams agrees to two-year deal with Washington, $3.25 million AAV
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) July 2, 2015
Williams wanted to stay in Los Angeles but as July 1st neared and the two sides were not making progress on a new deal, it appeared as though the 33-year-old, three-time Stanley Cup champion was looking to new beginnings.
Williams started his career in Philadelphia, spending four years as a member of the Flyers. In the 2003-04 season, Williams was dealt to the Hurricanes and responded well by putting up two consecutive 30-goal seasons, while winning the Stanley Cup with the 2006 Carolina team. As injuries started to pile on, Williams was dealt two seasons later to the Los Angeles Kings. While he never hit 30 goals again, he still was a contributor on a strong Kings team, hitting 22 goals twice, winning two more Stanley Cups and capturing his first Conn Smythe in the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs. While his days of hitting 70 points ended after the 2006-07 season, Williams can still add reinforcements in a complimentary role.
Although his points-per-game total continued to decline for a fifth consecutive season and his Corsi For has gone from 63.4 in 2012-13 to 56.4 last season, Williams is still receiving favorable defensive-zone starts. While his game is regressing slightly in terms of the defensive side of things, the Capitals hope that a change of scenario in a top-six role could benefit him.
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