There’s something about a contract year that gets a player’s attention.

That looks to be the case with Los Angeles Kings right winger Justin Williams who’s playing out the final year of a 5 year deal that's paid him $3.5 million per season. He signed his current contract as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes. 

Sources tell me Williams, the Kings second leading scorer, is looking for another multi-year deal but might elect to test the free agent market come July first. 

Williams may have priced himself out with Kings GM Dean Lombardi. Word is the former 30 goal scorer is looking for a contract that will play him in the $4.5 per year range, similar to what Nashville forward Martin Erat is earning. Erat is one of several players Williams is using as a comparable as the two have very similar numbers.

Both sides have exchanged offers but it’s safe to say Lombardi isn’t willing meet his salary request. It goes without saying Los Angeles would like to hang onto Williams but the salary structure will need to work.

Williams got off to a great start and at times has outplayed Captain Dustin Brown who currently occupies the right side on the Kings top line.

More to come,
Andy Strickland
Strickland.andy@gmail.com