Justin Williams, Hurricanes Reportedly Agree to 2-Year, $9 Million Contract

Justin Williams' tenure in the nation's capital is over after two seasons. The veteran forward agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes, according to Chris Johnston of NHL Network. 

Williams appeared in 80 games for the Washington Capitals in 2016-17. He scored 24 goals and assisted on 24 more, and his 48 points were sixth-highest on the team.

Despite the fact Williams will turn 36 in October, he was bound to attract a lot of attention on the free-agent market. He has 20-plus assists in each of the last seven seasons and boasts a wealth of playoff experience.

Williams has played on three teams that won the Stanley Cup, and the Los Angeles Kings' title triumph in 2014 helped establish him as a clutch performer. Williams registered 25 points in 26 games. He scored the overtime winner in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final and the first goal in Game 5, which helped Los Angeles clinch the series.

Williams earned his only piece of individual NHL hardware in the 2014 postseason, taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy.

"There's a level of competitiveness that I think some people are able to bring themselves to—and there are some guys that can just bring it higher," former teammate T.J. Oshie said of Williams, per the Washington Post's Dan Steinberg. "He's one of those guys. He's one of those guys that when everyone gets tense and everyone grabs their sticks a little tight, he gets more focused and finds ways to pull off the big play."

Far too often players are praised or criticized based on their playoff performance alone. Still, there's something to be said for Williams' postseason record.

Playoff games undoubtedly have a different atmosphere and place more pressure on players. That Williams plays so consistently well in his team's biggest games is no coincidence.

Williams is a great addition for the Hurricanes. He'll add depth to the forward line, and his presence should provide a nice boost in the locker room.