There’s still a chance, but it doesn’t sound like the Los Angeles Kings will be reaching a contract extension with 33-year-old forward Justin Williams until the offseason, if one is reached at all.
“Our intention is to leave negotiations until after the season,” William’s agent, Thane Campbell, told ESPN.com Tuesday. “However, if they accepted our current position at any time, the deal would get done. We are not removing our last offer from the table and I believe they understand our position has little flexibility.”
It wasn’t reported what the Williams camp is demanding. The 2014 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, famous for scoring big playoff goals, is in the final year of a four-year, $14.6 million deal.
While the Kings are reportedly keen to re-sign Williams, they also must be mindful that he’s not getting any younger. Last season’s championship team, featuring rookies Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson, was proof positive of the importance of constantly injecting the roster with youth.
Counting the playoffs, Williams has appeared in almost 1,000 NHL games.