Carolina Hurricanes: Justin Williams announces break from NHL

Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Mr. Game 7 hasn’t announced his retirement, but at the very least, Carolina Hurricanes captain Justin Williams won’t start the 2019-20 season on the roster.

The Carolina Hurricanes have been waiting to hear about the fate of captain Justin Williams. At 37 years old, he’s been weighing whether or not he should retire. It’s always a hard decision to make, so the Hurricanes gave him time to think about it. Williams has announced his decision. Well, sort of.

On Monday, Sept. 2, Williams announced he is “taking a break” from the NHL. While he did not officially retire, he certainly won’t be starting the 2019-20 season on any NHL team’s active roster.

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The Hurricanes have handled Williams’ indecision well. He repaid them by realizing they need to make preparations for the season. This might not be the last we’ve seen of Williams, as he could always sign during the season.

If he elects to do so, it’s hard to see him not having a lot of suitors. But it would be surprising if Williams plays for any team other than the Hurricanes unless they don’t express interest in signing him. Expect the Canes to be in contact with their captain throughout the season so they can see if they should expect him to make a return.

Last season, Williams posted 53 points, his highest total since the 2011-12 season when he had 59 points. Williams is about as consistent as they come. In each of his last eight full seasons, he has posted at least 40 points.

Should Williams decide to play during the 2019-20 season, it will be his 19th season. In 18 seasons, he has played in 1,244 games during the regular season, posting 312 goals and 746 points. Williams has won three Stanley Cups during his career, one with the Hurricanes in 2006 and two with the Los Angeles Kings (2012 and 2014).

He is noted for his success in the postseason. In 155 career postseason games, Williams has 101 points, including 40 goals. Eight of those 40 goals have been game-winners. Williams won the Conn Smythe in 2013-14 after putting up nine goals and 25 points in 26 games. Of those 25 points, 12 of them came in elimination games and he posted at least one point in each of the three Games 7 he played in that postseason.

If this is the last we have seen of Williams, he’ll be hanging up the skates after a memorable career. His postseason success makes him an interesting Hall of Fame candidate. Williams hasn’t ruled out coming back, but at the very least, his decision proves retirement is certainly possible, and maybe even probable.

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