Justin Williams returns to Hurricanes' lineup after 48-game absence

Ailish Forfar
·NHL Editor
RALEIGH, NC - FEBRUARY 16: Justin Williams #14 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates for position on the ice during an NHL game against the Dallas Stars on February 16, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
Justin Williams is officially back. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)

It’s hard not to root for the nice guys, and Justin Williams’ return to the Carolina Hurricanes lineup on Sunday is a wholesome dose of the good stuff. The NHL veteran re-signed with the Canes on Jan. 7 after sitting 48 games as he debated his future.

Williams stated in September that he felt “unsure of (his) aspirations with regards to hockey,” and subsequently felt unprepared both mentally and physically to return.

The three-time Stanley Cup champion signed a one-year contract for league minimum last week after feeling the itch to hoist another cup.

“There could be an opportunity there to come back and win a Stanley Cup,” Williams told Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston, while sharing what brought him back for a 20th season. “I mean that’s really the only thing that should drive someone at this point and I wanted to have that opportunity again.”

Williams enters the lineup on Sunday amidst Carolina’s 3-game losing streak, hoping to make an immediate impact to get his team back in a playoff position.

We can only imagine the Storm Surge they have planned if they can get the win.

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