Three time Stanley Cup winner, Justin Williams has signed with the Washington Capitals.
Williams signed a two-year, $6.5 contract yesterday.
"Justin is a proven winner and we feel he will be a great addition to our club," Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said. "We felt it was important for our team to add someone of his caliber, as a hockey player and as a veteran leader." (NHL.com)
With Williams, 33, the Capitals added a player with tremendous experience and is a great addition to the Trotz-era in DC. It's not apparent who Williams will play with next season, but don't rule out a spot on the top line just yet.
The Caps had been linked to Williams for some time now, so this isn't a huge surprise. The Flyers and Rangers were also in on Williams, and it looks like he picked the team he felt had the best chance of winning.
Williams contract is extremely cap friendly with a $3.25M cap hit for the next two seasons. The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner is exactly what the Caps needed to boost their two-way game and add more leadership. He is a clutch playoff performer with 78 points in 115 post-season games. He has 14 points in 7 game 7 situations, in which his teams have gone 7-0.
Williams won a Cup in Carolina in 2006 and two Cups in L.A. in 2012 and 2014.
It's not known if the Caps are done yet, or if they are still pursuing a top-line RW to play with Ovechking and Backstrom. They are linked to T.J. Oshie and would be able to fit him within the cap - perhaps if they trade Marcus Johansson to St. Louis.
Great start to the Free Agent season yesterday.
More to come...