Sometimes, you just never know where life will take you — from something as small as a text exchange with a former Kings player to a trade that uproots you and your family from Carolia and brings you to Los Angeles.
Three years into GM Dean Lombardi’s master plan with the Kings, Justin Williams was acquired from Carolina in a three-way trade that cost LA a young prospect and a future second round draft pick. He was 6-foot-1 winger was having some injury issues at the time, yet wasn’t that far removed from back-to-back 30-goal seasons and winning the Stanley Cup as a member of the Hurricanes less than three years prior.
He was also a former first round selection by the Flyers and spent four years in Philadelphia while breaking into the NHL. Thus, it was easy to see why this had ‘Lombardi Special’ written all over it at the time.
Two years later, Williams was healthy and back to his old self. So much so, Lombardi signed him to a four-year contract extension. That was at the end of February 2011. What nobody saw coming was the heroic effort he put forth in 2014, all en route to earning the Conn Smythe Trophy during LA’s second Stanley Cup run and forever cementing his Mr. Game 7 legacy.
During that highwater mark of his time in LA, Willimas was playing alongside Anze Kopitar. The current Kings captain has often openly reminisced about having ‘Stick’ has his scoring winger. Tonight, the tables are turned a bit, as we caught up with Williams to get a few quick thoughts on Kopitar’s big announcement earlier today.
“One of my best friends in hockey,” Williams said, boasting about his former centerman. “I’ve watched him grow up to be a great man, father and leader. He’s one of the true gentlemen of the game, but that does not dispel his competitiveness and will to win, which are on another level.”
From all indications, Kopitar still continues to perform. As current Kings players and coaches still continue to marvel at, even as he enters his 20th NHL season.
“Kopi’s consistency is simply amazing,” Williams continued. “No doubt at all, he’s a first ballot Hall of Famer.”
Turning from big picture comments and remembering back to some of the smaller things he remembers about his time in LA, Williams seemed to have specific moments at the forefront of his mind.
“I’ll always remember our ‘conversations’ we’d have when battling for pucks in the corner,” he noted. “We would ask each other calmly, ‘How you doing, buddy?’ and make small talk while being checked by defenders.”
Beyond the goals, the games, the grind of the season, Williams also wants to take credit for a few things away from hockey.
“I got him hooked on golf and country music, which I’m very proud of,” he stated with conviction.
“I’m happy for him,” continued Williams. “He deserves to go out on his own terms.”
Oh, and the picture in this article? Williams texted that one over.
“It’s one of my favorite photos,” he added. “I have it hanging in my house.”
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