Canadian forward Justin Williams, who put off retirement for the 2019-20 NHL season to help the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL playoff bubble, today announced his retirement from pro hockey at age 39.

Williams, a Philadelphia draft pick in the 2000 NHL Draft, spent 19 seasons with the Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings and Washington Capitals, becoming known not only as a tremendous on-ice leader, but as a playoff dynamo, scoring 102 points in 162 playoff games, including a staggering 15 points and an 8-1 record in Game 7s, earning the nickname “Mr. Game 7.” Williams captured three Stanley Cups, winning in 2006 with Carolina and in 2012 and 2014 with Los Angeles, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP for his third Cup victory. A one-time NHL All-Star, Williams retires with 320 goals and 797 points in 1264 career NHL games.

Due to his prevalence as a playoff leader, Williams only played for Canada on three occasions, at the World Championships in 2002, 2004 and 2007. However, the Cobourg, Ontario native won Gold at both the 2004 Prague and 2007 Moscow Worlds, playing in a total of 23 games, notching a goal and six points, along with 26 penalty minutes.

Over the course of his career with Team Canada, Williams racked up four IHLC wins over his three World Championship stints, with one title in 2002, two in 2004, and his final coming en route to Gold in 2007. We wish Justin and his family the very best for his retirement and the things to come!

Photo Credit: Reuters – IIHF – HHOF – IOC