The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed Jason Williams for two more years before they had to head into arbitration. The financial terms have yet to be released.
“We are pleased to reach a deal with Jason before going to arbitration,” Detroit general manager Ken Holland said. “He took a big step forward as a NHL player last year and we look forward to even more progress in the future.”
Williams had 58 points (21 goals, 37 assists) in 80 games.
Update (9:40 PM, Matt): Ansar Khan reports that the contract is worth $1.6 million a season, a pretty good bargain these days for a player with Williams’ numbers. The Wings are counting on Jason to increase his output from the 21 goals and 37 assists he had last year to help compensate for the loss of Brendan Shanahan. As Mike Babcock’s little former Cincy Mighty Duck pet will be getting even more ice time this season, putting up better numbers shouldn’t be a problem.
Just remember, Jason, the playoffs are what count, not the first half of the regular season. Oh, and Babcock? Williams is not a power play quarterback, okay?
All Kenny’s got left, as far as RFA’s are concerned, is Johan Franzen.
“Williams is not a power play quarterback, okay?”
Thank you. Finally, I’ve been saying that all year long. I was just thinking…we have some pretty good defensemen we could put on the blue line. My point being…Williams doesn’t have an incredible “breaking the sound barrier” rocket of a shot…It’s fast, but not Iafrate. I think he’d be better off playing forward on offence. I see why Babcock would put out 4 forwards, but I don’t think Williams is a “powerplay quarterback.”
But yes Holland, thanks for signing him. He brings future and potential to the team.
-firebird995