Francis, Canes Active as Free Agency Opens

The Carolina Hurricanes haven't historically been a July 1 team, but this year, soon after the clock struck noon and the frenzy began, they landed one of the top available free agents on the market.
It was a familiar face, too. The Hurricanes inked Justin Williams, who played 265 regular-season games with the Hurricanes from 2004-09 and helped the team capture its first and only Stanley Cup championship in franchise history in 2006, to a two-year, $9 million contract.

The move was one in a troika that has vastly improved the Hurricanes' roster looking towards the 2017-18 season.
In April, Francis and head coach Bill Peters identified three aspects of the team they sought to better over the summer. Not even a month later, goaltending was crossed off the list when the Canes traded for and subsequently signed Scott Darling. Just prior to the NHL Draft, the Canes crossed another item off the list in acquiring defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk to help stabilize the team's depth on defense. The thought was that the Canes could acquire a forward piece at the Draft, but that never materialized; instead, the team found its answer in free agency with Williams.
WILLIAMS: 'IT'S TIME TO CLIMB THE LADDER AND GET RELEVANT'
That wasn't the only move of the day. The Hurricanes also signed forward Josh Jooris, a bottom-six depth piece that can play both center and wing. Just prior to Francis addressing the media at 2 p.m., the Canes made three additional two-way signings: goaltender Jeremy Smith, defenseman Brenden Kichton and defenseman Dennis Robertson, who played in 65 regular-season games with the Charlotte Checkers last season.
It was a busy July 1, indeed, headlined by the return of Williams, a fan-favorite and a three-time Stanley Cup champion. Below are Francis' thoughts on that signing and more.

On the signing of Williams
"He's still shown he can score goals, so we expect him to score some goals for us. He's won three Stanley Cups in his career. He's shown in the big games that he rises to that level he needs to get to to be successful. On a team with a lot of young players, we think he's going to have a huge influence in our locker room in getting those guys to understand what it takes to be successful."
On Williams' pedigree
"There are a lot of guys who want to be the guy in Game 7 but have a tough time rising to that level. This guy has done it time and time again. We had him in our organization, so we know him as a person. The character is outstanding, and the leadership qualities are there. … I fully expect this guy to be a guy who can step into the locker room and drag the guys in the direction we need to be taken."
On the process of signing Williams
"There was a lot of interest in Justin, and I think it got down to three teams that were very serious. We were obviously extremely excited when he said today that we were the team he wanted. It's great that he believes in what we're building and what we're doing, the team we have and players we have and feels confident enough that we're close enough to win and he wanted to be a part of it."
On if Williams could be the Canes' captain
"I wouldn't say no. That's a possibility. He's a guy who could wear an 'A' if nothing else. … We'll have to see how training camp and the preseason goes, and we'll see where Bill (Peters) is at and how comfortable he is making a decision."
On building a culture
"There are a lot of guys who have won, and that's what you're trying to build: that sort of character and drive in your locker room."
On new goaltending coach Mike Bales
"Mike Bales comes with a heck of a pedigree. … When he became available, that was someone we thought could really help our goaltenders up top and in the organization. … We think that's a real good add for us."
On new video coach LJ Scarpace
"More and more teams now are going to two video guys. There's just so much work. … Poor Chris Huffine was pretty much living at the rink, so getting a second guy in there and a guy like LJ who has experience and knowledge makes not only our video part better but also our entire coaching staff."