Justin Williams

Justin Williams: The Capitals said ‘they wanted to sign me, but sometimes it doesn’t work out’

On the first day of free agency, the Washington Capitals lost three of their biggest name players from their 2016-17 President Trophy winning roster. Defenseman Karl Alzner signed with the Montreal Canadiens, trade deadline acquisition Kevin Shattenkirk signed with the New York Rangers, and forward Justin Williams inked a deal with the Carolina Hurricanes – the team he won his first Stanley Cup with.

Impressing with his spectacular play in Washington, Williams earned a salary increase in the form of a two-year, $9 million contract with the Canes, which included a $5 million salary in 2017-18 and a $4 million salary in 2018-19. Williams’ cap hit will be $4.5 million.

Saturday afternoon, Williams spoke about his “excitement” about re-joining Carolina, but also lamented his disappointment on not striking a deal with the Capitals.

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Justin Williams signs 2-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes

NHL Network’s Aaron Ward reports that forward Justin Williams has signed a two-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.

We do not know his salary yet. He will make $9 million over the contract, per Isabelle Khurshudyan‏.

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Report: Justin Williams does not see a return to Washington as an ‘option any longer’

Justin Williams’ tenure in Washington appears over.

Days after quantifying his potential return to DC at 50/50, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Thursday that Williams does not see Washington as an “option any longer.”

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Justin Williams says he hasn’t had very ‘in-depth discussions’ with Capitals yet

On Monday, TSN’s Darren Dreger said that unrestricted free agent Justin Williams would meet with the Capitals later in the week to talk about an extension. Dreger framed Williams’ chances of returning to the team as 50/50.

Two days later, Williams, while golfing at the Quicken Loans Pro-Am at TPC Potomac, revealed that the Capitals and he “haven’t had very in-depth discussions.”

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