Justin Williams is returning to the Carolina Hurricanes.
The 38-year-old forward has signed a one-year, $700,000 contract for the remainder of the 2019-20 season, the club announced Tuesday.
The deal can see the winger earn an additional $1.3 million in potential bonuses based on individual and team play in the regular season and playoffs.
Williams decided to take a hiatus from his playing career in September to ponder his future.
“We’ve been in frequent contact with Justin over the last few months regarding his status,” said Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell in a press release.
“We’re thrilled that he has decided to return to playing, and we’re confident that adding him to our group will help us both on and off the ice.”
The six-foot-one, 184-pound veteran is a three-time Stanley Cup winner, capturing the ultimate prize with Carolina in 2006, as well as with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014, when he won the Conn Smythe Trophy.
He earned the nickname Mr. Game 7 as he has come up clutch in nine Game 7 playoff games during his career, with his teams boasting an 8-1 record in those situations. He is also tied for most Game 7 goals at seven, and owns the record for most points with 15.
Over the course of 1,244 career NHL games with the Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Kings and Washington Capitals, Williams has recorded 786 points.
He had 53 points last season to help lead Carolina to its first playoff appearance since 2009. He added seven points in 15 games as the Hurricanes made a run to the Eastern Conference Final.
January 7, 2020
Carolina Hurricanes
