After sitting out the first three months of the season while pondering his playing future, some have wondered if Hurricanes winger Justin Williams’ career will be over if the season is eventually called off. In an appearance on Sportsnet 590 (video link), the 38-year-old indicated that he hasn’t been giving any thought to whether or not he’ll play beyond this season during this stoppage. He has been a productive addition for Carolina, picking up 11 points in 20 games which is pretty good for someone who missed that much time to start the season. Williams also expressed optimism that an extended training camp wouldn’t be needed if they get the green light to return to playing in the weeks and months to come.
More from the East:
- If NHL regular season action resumes, many teams will be getting key injured players back which could make for quite the compelling stretch run. However, the Senators aren’t certain if they’ll be able to have defenseman Mark Borowiecki (ankle injury) or goalie Anders Nilsson (concussion) back in the fold, notes Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch. Head coach D.J. Smith noted that while both players are doing better now, the fact that they’re unable to be put through the paces on the ice makes it tough to assess their recovery. While Nilsson is signed and the presumptive starter for next season, Borowiecki is a pending unrestricted free agent and could benefit from getting back and showing he has fully recovered.
- Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher spoke with reporters today, including NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman, to provide an update on their injured players. Defenseman Philippe Myers will be ready to return after being out fracturing his right patella in early March while winger James van Riemsdyk is expected to be cleared within the next week or two. As for defenseman Samuel Morin who has been out with a torn ACL since November, he isn’t expected to return if play resumes but has started skating. Meanwhile, center Nolan Patrick is working out at home as he continues to deal with a migraine disorder but has not been cleared for contact and there is no word on whether or not he’d be able to play if the season continues.
OTT needs Boro-Cop more than he needs them. Will they do right by him and give him a truly respectable offer (with extra bribes), or watch him fly out the door like the others? Assuming, of course, he’d like to stay there…
think he stays Mac. he won’t ask for too much and he is what they need. a veteran physical presence who can play 22+ mins and stand up for the young guys.
@MoneyBallJustWorks – There haven’t been many guys that you could say are a “good fit” in OTT in recent years, but he fits the bill in my book. More gut feel that tangibles. They need to try harder to get and keep guys, and especially bend over backward for the “veteran presence” types of guys that might like to stay there, but also deserve a fair shake.
Ottawa might be about the only place Boro has a chance to regularly remain in the line up. He is a 7th at best dman on almost any other team.