The 2014 Conn Smythe trophy victor and three time Stanley Cup champion, forward Justin Williams has signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Washington Capitals, TSN reported Wednesday.
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He won the Conn Smyth Trophy in 2014, when he had three goals and six assists in the Kings’ six-game victory over the New York Rangers, and has gained the nickname “Mr. Game 7” for his postseason heroics.
The 33-year-old Williams scored 18 goals while adding 23 assists in 81 games with the Los Angeles Kings last season. Ward is also an unrestricted free agent and while he was a valuable asset to the Capitals last season with 19 goals and 34 points, he will likely be taking his talents elsewhere. “This is a great team, as well, that I’m coming to”.
So in essence the Caps got rid of one guy known for a high level of playoff success and got a guy with more playoff success. “I just feel this team was so close previous year. That’s basically just a product of the great teams I’ve played on”.
The 29-year-old Sekera started last season with the Carolina Hurricanes and was traded to the Los Angeles Kings on February 25 for a first-round pick in 2015 and defensive prospect Roland McKeown.
“As you’re going throughout (free agency) you’re constantly weighing pros and cons: the team, the city, the coach you’re playing with, your potential role on the team”, Williams said. It could be a Game 7 loss from 10 years ago that none of these players had anything to do with and it gets put on that record. Galiev totaled 15 power play goals under Mann for Hershey, which led the AHL in tallies on the man advantage.
“I think [Williams] has all the intangible qualities we desire”, MacLellan explained. My head was obviously upset when I didn’t make the playoffs this year but I think my body is saying thank you.
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Of all the skaters who have been in the league since 2010, Williams has some of the best possession numbers around – and while he’s played with perennial Selke candidate Anze Kopitar throughout that period of time, it takes more than just a good linemate to be able to consistently drive play season after season. “I don’t know if I’m the answer, but I’m going to do my darndest to prove to everyone, to my teammates and myself, that I can be a difference maker”. “I’ve had a lot of rest and I should be ready to go right out of the gate”.
