Old North Banter
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Carolina Hurricanes: Justin Williams is a luxury piece

By Christian Candeloro

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 01: Justin Williams #14 and Curtis McElhinney #35 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrate after a win against the New York Islanders in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 01, 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes won 5-2. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 01: Justin Williams #14 and Curtis McElhinney #35 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrate after a win against the New York Islanders in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 01, 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes won 5-2. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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The Captain remains unsigned and at this point is it the end of the world if Justin Williams doesn’t return?

I know I’m going to have some naysayers on this one, but I don’t think it’s the end of the world if Justin Williams doesn’t return to the Carolina Hurricanes for the 2019-20 season. The Captain amassed 53 points last season and played all 82 games for the Canes. He led the team in power play goals and was second in game-winning goals.

Stats can’t tell the full story of what Williams brings to the team however, as his off-ice leadership and locker room presence are by far his best attributes. He was instrumental in the team’s playoff run, scoring four goals and assisting on three more, none bigger than his perfect set-up on Brock McGinn’s double overtime winner than eliminated the Capitals.

And still, with all that in mind, I don’t think the Hurricanes need Williams in the lineup this season to be successful.

The Hurricanes have two of the bright young stars on the first line, in Teuvo Teravainen and Andrei Svechnikov. Teravainen was second on the team with 76 points and was one of the only weapons the team had on the power play. Svech had an impressive rookie season, posting 37 points and it’s easy to forget that he’s only 19 years old.

In addition, the acquisition of Erik Haula from Vegas, emergence of Warren Foegele, and impending debut of top prospect Martin Necas, means that the Hurricanes have an incredibly talented group of young wingers.

Not having Williams might give the opportunity for these youngsters to take on bigger roles and thrive.

Off the ice, replacing Williams’ presence will be tough, but this team is building towards sustaining a culture under head coach Rod Brind’Amour. The Hurricanes took a massive leap forward in 2018-19 because they rid themselves of players who didn’t fit that culture and the rest of the team bought in.

Williams was a crucial piece of that transition, as the Hurricanes had to have a veteran leader show them it was possible to make the postseason. Now however, it’s the kids who have to grow up and lead this team to the next level.

It’s time for the young group on players on the team to step forward and carry the team’s culture. Svechnikov and Teravainen can lead that charge, aided by veterans like Jordan Martinook, Jordan Staal and Justin Faulk. The team will have to rely on these players to carry them into the next era.

Now don’t be mistaken, if Williams decides to return, the Hurricanes should 100 percent sign him and bring him back for the 2019-20 season. At 38 he’d still be a weapon the team could use to launch another playoff run.

At this point though, Williams is a luxury item, not a necessity to the team this year.

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