These NHL players might have just played their last game

The end of the 2019-20 season could mean the end of a few careers. Which NHL players might have already played their last game?

As an athlete myself, the COVID-19 pandemic took away my last chance at a National Championship and my last chance to represent the school and the jersey that I have proudly put on for the past four seasons. Athletes, especially NHL players, know that this is bigger than sports and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this.

Although I hope that this will not be the end of my story, this pandemic may lead to the end of some long-lasting NHL careers. This was a season of last rides for some, in an effort to reach that incomprehensible moment of lifting the Stanley Cup either for the first time or if luckily a multitude of times. Regardless it would most likely be the last time.

And my heart goes out to these players that every day for years gave it their complete effort, overcoming obstacles, displaying high-class leadership in the process.

It is not official that these players are going to hang up the skates come the end of this season, if and when it unfolds, here is a list of players that can ride off into the sunset knowing they played a brand of hockey that will be remembered for a long time.

Justin Williams

Justin Williams‘ 38-year old campaign started off differently than ever before. Until Jan. 7, Williams was not playing the sport he loved.

The Ontario-native decided to step away from the sport of hockey and truly think about his future. While he returned this season, playing just 20 games, this could be the end.

One of the most clutch players in NHL history, Williams has been a player his teams have relied upon in big moments.

Since being drafted 28th overall back in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Williams has been a workhorse. And because he was a part of dominant teams throughout his career, he was able to play in big moments and make magical memories.

Since breaking into the league with the Philadelphia Flyers back in 2001, Williams has seen success more often than not. His teams have made the playoffs in 11 of those 19 years, as he has come away with the Stanley Cup three times, once with the Carolina Hurricanes (2005) and twice with the Los Angeles Kings (2011, 2014).

Williams appeared in a Game 7 nine times sporting an 8-1 record. In these games, Williams was able to earn the nickname “Mr. Game 7”, scoring seven times tying him with the great Glenn Anderson for most all-time. He sits alone with an NHL record 15 points in these critical, series-deciding games.

In 155 playoff games, Williams has registered 40 goals and 61 assists (101 points). Out of those 40 goals, eight have been game-winning goals, and out of those eight, two of those goals came in overtime.

He was awarded the Conn Smyth Trophy following the completion of 2013-14 playoffs, in which he registered 25 points in 26 games (9 goals,16 assists) helping the Kings to their first cup in franchise history. Just a remarkable career for Williams when the game was on the line.

Before the 2017-18 campaign, Justin Williams rejoined the Hurricanes for the first time since 2008 in an effort to help lead a struggling franchise in the right direction. Wearing the “C”, Williams helped the team improve in the standings, but the team had much more work to do to get back into the playoffs.

The following season, Williams and gang were able to finish the season in the top wild-spot, ultimately making their way to the Eastern Conference Finals before being swept at the hands of the Boston Bruins.

Even as an Islander fan who saw Williams and the surging Canes sweep them in the second round, you could not hate these guys, who played with such a passion. The Hurricanes were defying odds, something that every NHL fan should appreciate.

If the season does not resume and Williams decides to hang ’em up, it will be a career to remember, arguably a Hall of Fame one. Williams would end his NHL career with 1,264 games played, 320 goals, 477 assists, and 797 points.