Capitals get clutch playoff performer in Justin Williams for two years, $6.5 million

So the Washington Capitals have been pretty bad in Game 7s since 2008. They need someone with experience, someone who can finally take them further than they’ve gone in Game 7s past. Enter Justin Williams – Mr. Game 7 himself!

Washington signed Williams to a two-year $6.5 million contract. The Caps had gone 3-6 in their Game 7s since 2008. If Washington goes far the playoffs next season, it’ll totally be because of Williams. Not really, but his experience certainly helps. 

This monetary value is actually a drop from Williams’ previous contract – a four-year $14.6 million deal that just ended.

“Justin is a proven winner and we feel he will be a great addition to our club,” general manager Brian MacLellan said. “We felt it was important for our team to add someone of his caliber, as a hockey player and as a veteran leader.”

And so the Kings lose a vital piece of their championship puzzle, albeit an aging one, at age 33. Last season he had 41 points in 81 games.

The Capitals get some guy who simply ‘knows how to win’ as shown with his ability to be awesome in big games – like when he won the Conn Smythe Trophy for the Kings in 2014.

This probably means the end of the Joel Ward era in Washington — since both guys are pretty similar in age and their clutch-ness in the playoffs.  

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @joshuacooper

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