Newz Forum: HOCKEY: Hurricanes agree to terms with Williams

Raleigh, NC (Sports Network) - The Carolina Hurricanes and forward Justin Williams agreed to a one-year contract Thursday. As per team policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

The 24-year-old Williams, who was traded from Philadelphia on January 20 in exchange for defenseman Danny Markov, posted career highs in 2003-04 in games played (79), assists (33), points (44) and penalty minutes (64).

Williams, a Cobourg, Ontario native, registered five goals and 13 helpers in 32 games with Carolina.

"Justin is one of the young players we anticipate will play a significant role on our team," team president and general manager Jim Rutherford said. "He has demonstrated that he can develop into a top-level NHL player."

In 226 career games, the 28th overall selection of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft has 43 goals and 72 assists for 115 points.

Justin Williams is a great young player. He had a few fine seasons here in Philly before being traded for Danny Markov. I was sad to see him go but Markov was huge for the Flyers in the playoffs where the defense was thin due to injuries. He has alot of good years in him, he is a hustler who goes all out every shift.