Justin Williams Through The Years

A Stanley Cup Champion, All-Star and one of the most clutch performers of all-time, a look back at the career of "Mr. Game 7"

By Walt Ruff

@WaltRuff Hurricanes.com

October 25, 2023

RALEIGH, NC. - New Carolina Hurricanes Hall of Fame inductee Justin Williams was drafted in 2000 and played until 2020.

Amassing 1,264 NHL games and many accolades along the way, here's a look back at his career through the years.

2000

After two seasons of impressive performances with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League, the Philadelphia Flyers selected Williams with the 28th overall selection in the 2000 NHL Draft.

Jumping right into the lineup that fall, the winger played 226 games in four seasons before being dealt to the Canes.

A young Williams (middle) stands between Flyers brass Paul Holmgren (left) and Bobby Clarke (right) at the 2000 NHL Draft in Calgary.

2004

Acquired in exchange for Danny Markov, who went on to play just 34 games with the Flyers, the trade is often regarded as one of the best in Canes history.

Coming to Raleigh mid-season, Williams got 32 games under his belt before the 2004-05 lockout season. He'd also go on to win his first of two IIHF World Championships with Hockey Canada following that season.

Justin Williams would go on to win a World Championship twice while playing for Team Canada.

2005-06

After skating with Luleå HF in Sweden during the lockout, Williams returned to Raleigh with authority when NHL action resumed.

Producing his first of what would be back-to-back 30-goal campaigns, his 76 points trailed only Eric Staal for the team lead during the regular season.

Then, during that playoff run, the moniker of "Mr. Game 7" began.

Recording a goal and two assists in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final, Williams would then go on to score the clinching empty-net goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers.

Justin Williams and Eric Staal pose for a smile with the Stanley Cup in the moments after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7.

2006-07

Williams followed up the Stanley Cup-winning season with his first NHL All-Star Game appearance.

Setting a new career-high with 33 goals, he would also go on to play all 82 games for a second consecutive season.

Following the year he'd then claim a second gold medal in three years with Hockey Canada at the World Championships.

Staal (left) and Williams (right) pose for a photo ahead of the 2007 NHL All-Star Game in Dallas, TX.

2007-09

Continuing his upward trajectory, Williams started the season with 30 points in 37 games. Unfortunately, a hit in a game against the Florida Panthers would leave him with a torn ACL & MCL, starting a slew of injuries.

Missing almost all of the remaining 2007-08 season, he then suffered a back injury in his very first game healthy.

Before the 2008-09 campaign could begin, Williams then tore his Achilles tendon during the preseason. Miraculously returning in under four months, the Cobourg, Ontario-born forward was able to play in 32 games before he was then dealt to the Los Angeles Kings.

Williams meets with reporters in Los Angeles shortly after being acquired by the Kings ahead of the 2009 NHL Trade Deadline.

2009-2015

Playing seven seasons in Los Angeles, Williams went on to win the Stanley Cup twice more (2012 & 2014).

Including a Conn Smythe Trophy in the second of the two, he finished that playoff run with nine goals and 25 points, including two goals and five points in three Game 7 victories in the first three rounds.

His seven Game 7 goals match an NHL record shared with Hockey Hall of Fame member Glenn Anderson.

Williams poses for a picture with the Stanley Cup Trophy, the Conn Smythe Trophy and the Campbell Cup before the Los Angeles Kings victory parade.

2015-17

Williams became a free agent after the 2014-15 season and signed with the Washington Capitals. Playing in 162 out of 164 games, the Caps went to the playoffs in both of his seasons in D.C.

He appeared in his 1,000th career game on April 10, 2016.

Williams stands with (left to right) NHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Jim Gregory, President of the Washington Capitals Dick Patrick, and Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis during a ceremony in recognition of his 1,000th career NHL game before the start of a game between the Capitals and Anaheim Ducks at Verizon Center on April 10, 2016 in Washington, DC.

2017-2020

Returning to North Carolina to eventually finish his career, Williams was named captain of the Hurricanes prior to the 2018-19 season.

After two seasons he decided to step away from the game for a few months, but returned to the team in January of 2020. Playing in 20 games, plus seven more in the league's bubble playoffs, that would be the end of his playing career.

Following the official announcement of his retirement, Williams was named as a Special Advisor to Canes President & GM Don Waddell.